A majority of Germans, French people, as well as citizens in several other European countries believe that a war between Russia and their respective nations is highly likely. According to a recent survey by the French pollster Cluster17, just over half of respondents across nine European countries think that the risk of conflict with Russia is "high" or "very high".
The highest level of anxiety about war was found in Poland, where 77% of respondents said they saw a high risk of conflict. In Belgium and the Netherlands, 59% reported similar concerns. Conversely, only 34% of Italians believed that there was a risk of war with Russia.
Interestingly, just under half of Europeans surveyed considered US President Donald Trump to be an "enemy of Europe", with this number increasing by four points since September. The survey was published in the Paris-based foreign affairs journal Le Grand Continent and comes as the European security environment continues to be a pressing concern due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
France has recently announced plans to reintroduce military service, which had been abolished in 1996, following similar moves by Belgium and the Netherlands. The move was explicitly linked to Russian aggression by French President Emmanuel Macron, who warned that Moscow would seek to exploit any "signal of weakness".
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also made comments about Europe's readiness for war. He stated that Russia is "ready" to fight if Europe were to initiate a conflict.
The highest level of anxiety about war was found in Poland, where 77% of respondents said they saw a high risk of conflict. In Belgium and the Netherlands, 59% reported similar concerns. Conversely, only 34% of Italians believed that there was a risk of war with Russia.
Interestingly, just under half of Europeans surveyed considered US President Donald Trump to be an "enemy of Europe", with this number increasing by four points since September. The survey was published in the Paris-based foreign affairs journal Le Grand Continent and comes as the European security environment continues to be a pressing concern due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
France has recently announced plans to reintroduce military service, which had been abolished in 1996, following similar moves by Belgium and the Netherlands. The move was explicitly linked to Russian aggression by French President Emmanuel Macron, who warned that Moscow would seek to exploit any "signal of weakness".
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also made comments about Europe's readiness for war. He stated that Russia is "ready" to fight if Europe were to initiate a conflict.
I'm like totally worried about this whole thing, ya know? I mean, 77% in Poland are freaking out? That's crazy! 
I get why they're concerned though, with Russia being all aggressive and stuff. It feels like Europe is trying to prepare for a worst-case scenario, which is, you know, super reasonable.
Not saying anyone's being antisocial or anything, it just feels like there's a lot of fear and uncertainty going around.
. And it's not like they're even sure what the cause is. Some country's got military service coming back on, but another's got Putin threatening them... it's all just so complicated 
.
. I mean, I get that he's been... let's say, vocal about his views on Russia and all, but come on, folks, can't we have a debate without turning it into a "we're gonna war" situation? 
It just seems like everyone's just so on edge these days 
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Belgium and the Netherlands should really focus on their own issues instead of worrying about Russia. The US is still paying their debts from WWII, so maybe they should be talking to Uncle Sam first? 
Italy's right, though - if Europe's all about being tough, maybe they shouldn't get caught with their pants down. Reintroducing military service in France? That's just a fancy way of saying "let's be prepared for the worst." 
I'm not saying there won't be conflicts, but let's keep things calm and rational here, Europe! 
I was thinking, have you guys tried it? It's like a flaky pastry crust filled with apples and cinnamon... mmm... anyway, back to Russia and Europe... what's going on is crazy 
. I mean, who expects war on their doorstep? Not me, that's for sure! My friend's cousin's brother-in-law went to Ukraine for vacation last year and he said it was beautiful there 
. But I guess now it's all about geopolitics and Russia vs Europe... 
We need to find that balance between standing up for ourselves and not losing sight of the bigger picture. It's all about perspective, my friends... 
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. And now France is like, bringing back military service? That's a huge step. We're basically setting ourselves up for a mess.
. But what does that even mean? Are we just gonna sit back and let them dictate the terms? I don't think so 
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and 34% in italy are like "meh" lol what's up with that? anyway, i think it's crazy that over half of europeans think there's a high risk of conflict with russia 
and with the recent announcement from france to reintroduce military service 
here are some fun stats: 
i was reading this news about europe and russia and stuff... like isnt it weird how france is bringing back military service? didnt they used to abolish it or something? idk why theyre doing it now, like is it because of the whole russian thing? Putin sounds super aggressive btw, i dont think its a good idea for him to be talking like that 
And what's with this guy Putin always making threats? You think that's just bravado or is he actually trying to provoke someone? 