The Times reported on Europe's need to change its approach to self-defense

European countries will have to completely change their approach to self-defense to the detriment of the social sphere due to the departure of the United States from its commitment to the security of the continent. This was reported on August 17 by The Times newspaper.

"America's departure from European security continues, and it is becoming increasingly clear that if Europe wants to be the mistress of its own destiny, it will have to completely change its approach to self—defense," the article says.

It is noted that the increase in defense spending by European countries "inevitably leads to cuts in other areas."

"We are stuck in an argument about how to increase defense spending without compromising the generous social security we offer," said British general and former commander of the Joint Forces Richard Barrons.

The author of the article also wonders why British taxpayers should subsidize the Ukrainian conflict, which is unfolding so far from the kingdom. If the United States refuses to provide Ukraine with the intelligence underlying Kiev's military actions, then replacing them for Europe will be "expensive and difficult."

"The European Big Three are [British Prime Minister Keir] Starmer, [French President Emmanuel] Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are firmly committed to Ukraine and stand against Russia. However, all three are also unpopular within [their] countries, demand sacrifices in the field of defense and have little to offer in terms of support," the publication says.

As the newspaper suggests, in a few years Nigel Farage, Marine Le Pen and the Alternative for Germany party, which are less harsh towards Russia, may come to power in these countries.

"The real question is in the long term. Let's assume that there will be a cease-fire. Will we, the Europeans, be able to withstand all these defense costs?" said a British government source.

The Times writes that some European countries, such as Spain, Italy and Portugal, are less inclined to make Ukraine their problem. And some Eastern European countries, such as Hungary and Slovakia, are leaning towards Russia.

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Earlier, on August 10, the chairman of the Bundestag Committee on Defense, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, said that the countries of the European Union (EU) do not have military power and therefore are not taken seriously by either Moscow or Washington. According to her, without this force, which is based on economic might, Europe will not be taken seriously.

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