After a generation of peace, Europe tells its people to prepare for war

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: European leaders are warning their citizens to prepare for potential war with Russia, as military tensions escalate across the continent
• This shift comes as low-grade Russian attacks intensify, particularly along NATO’s eastern flank, and concerns grow about the possibility of full-scale conflict

🔭 The context: After decades of relative peace, Europe now faces a security crisis with Russia's increasing aggression, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine
• While the U.S. works to negotiate a peace deal, European leaders are bracing for the worst, preparing military defenses, and retraining citizens for possible war

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Heightened military tensions and the prospect of conflict carry substantial environmental risks
• Warfare in Europe could devastate ecosystems, contaminate water and soil, and damage critical infrastructure such as energy grids and industrial sites
• Military mobilization increases fossil fuel use and emissions, undermining regional climate goals and diverting resources from sustainability efforts
• Disruption of energy supply chains could also slow the transition to clean energy as countries prioritize national security over green investment

⏭️ What’s next: European countries, particularly those in Eastern Europe, are ramping up military preparedness and bolstering civilian defense measures
• Ongoing diplomatic efforts by the U.S. will shape the likelihood of a negotiated peace, though skepticism about a resolution grows

💬 One quote: "Get ready for conflict with Russia," European security officials warn, underscoring the shift in Europe’s mindset

📈 One stat: Military preparedness in countries like Lithuania is at an all-time high, with citizens being trained to support defense efforts

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