The target of 5 percent of GDP for defense spending is increasingly appearing difficult to achieve. The economic situation in several NATO countries raises questions about its sustainability. The case of Italy, which had to retract plans to classify the bridge to Sicily as dual-use spending, also undermines the Fico government’s expectations that it could make extensive use of such expenditures.

Trump’s Republican allies have strongly opposed the US decision to withdraw some American troops from Romania. They warn that the move sends the wrong signal to Putin and increases the risk of Russian aggression. Slovakia has been cautious in its response. Prime Minister Fico stated that the decision does not surprise him and that he “certainly does not feel threatened.” The Ministry of Defense has not responded to questions.

According to experts, Russia’s hybrid attacks aim to create the impression that European politicians are incapable of making decisions or managing crises. They argue that hybrid warfare requires a comprehensive response — from reducing energy dependence to mobilizing citizens. “We need to raise public awareness of these attacks precisely so that we do not have to deploy the military in the future,” says Brigadier General Jürgen Schrödl.

Warsaw is preparing to amend its law on military deployments abroad so that its armed forces can shoot down Russian objects — such as drones — over Ukraine and Belarus without prior approval from NATO or the EU.