EU's Borrell warns of high-intensity, conventional war in Europe

LONDON

Saying that war is "certainly looming around us," the EU foreign policy chief on Tuesday warned that Europe must prepare for a potential high-intensity war, and perhaps without the US by its side.

"The possibility of a high-intensity, conventional war in Europe is no longer a fantasy," Josep Borrell said at an event in Brussels, the de facto EU capital.

Saying that "Russia threatens Europe" via both its war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks on EU states, he said: "War is certainly looming around us."

"We have to do everything to avoid it," said Borrell, adding they need to have the means to do so.

His remarks came amid growing debate over the future of Europe's security as military chiefs and leaders in northern Europe expressed concern over the risk of conflict, prompted by the Russian war on Ukraine.

"We need a new intergovernmental financing vehicle ... comparable to the one that we created during the (eurozone) financial crisis," said Borrell.

He added, referring to former US President Donald Trump, who has denigrated American alliances with Europe as he seeks a return to office: "The US umbrella, which we have relied on since the Cold War, may not be open all the time ... Maybe, depending on who is ruling Washington, we cannot rely on America to protect us."