Brussels says Europe is ready for war, but who’s going to fight it?
In episode one of the second season of the Interference podcast, Justin and Alex are joined by Brussels Signal columnist Gabriel Elefteriu to unpack the EU’s increasingly bold defence rhetoric, with Ursula von der Leyen talking as if a European Army already exists and “preparing” to send troops to Ukraine.
Can the EU actually mobilise soldiers to defend Ukraine? Is Europe equipped to deter Vladimir Putin, or are member states hopelessly dependent on the US and NATO? Are the massive defence spending figures real, or political theatre? And what happens if America walks away from Europe’s security?
Gabriel Elefteriu breaks down the numbers behind EU defence budgets, exposing how much of Brussels’ €800 billion claim is based on loans and projections that may never materialise. While Germany is spending more, most EU economies remain in crisis and are unable to fund serious military expansion.
Meanwhile, Russia has turned its economy into a war machine. Expanding troop numbers, modernising equipment, and strengthening ties with China and the Global South.
Europe, by contrast, faces internal weakness, mass migration pressures, and political disunity.
The episode also explores the erosion of free speech in the UK following the arrest of Graham Linehan over “transphobic” social media post.
Hero of the Week: Nigel Farage earns the spotlight for raising urgent concerns about free speech before Congress in Washington.
Zero of the Week: Chancellor Friedrich Merz for playing dirty in the middle of delicate peace negotiations.
Contents on this video:
00:00 – Intro 00:22 – Von der Leyen’s “European Army” and troop talk
10:46 – Hybrid Warfare & Europe’s vulnerability without the US
16:52 – Russia’s war economy getting stronger 20:47 – Free speech crisis: the arrest of Graham Linehan
27:32 – Zero and Hero of the week
