CEE must better coordinate on defence - Global Peace Index founder Steve Killelea tells CET
The 2025 Global Peace Index highlights Europe’s greatest security weakness as a lack of strategic alignment among EU nations, despite significant military spending. Although EU countries collectively outspend Russia on defence, inefficiencies and national silos—such as differing equipment standards and fragmented procurement—undermine operational effectiveness. Central and Eastern European nations have increased militarisation, yet shared security remains elusive due to political and financial disunity. Rising "middle powers" like Czechia and Hungary complicate global alliances by exerting regional influence independently, contributing to a "great fragmentation." The report stresses that militarisation without institutional cohesion or investment in peacebuilding leads to instability, urging nations to strengthen the eight pillars of “positive peace” to create resilient and lasting security.