Dr Elena Lazarou discusses the geopolitical developments reshaping European security, the European Union’s growing role in defence, and the challenges Europe faces in an increasingly unstable international environment.
Click to read the interview, in Estonian.
Summary of Dr Elena Lazarou’s Interview
In the interview published by the Estonian newspaper Postimees ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Dr Elena Lazarou discusses the profound transformation of Europe’s security architecture in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the growing instability in the Middle East.
She argues that recent geopolitical developments have made Europeans increasingly receptive to the idea that the European Union should evolve beyond an economic and political project and assume a stronger role in defence and security. According to Dr Lazarou, Europe can no longer rely exclusively on the United States for its security and must be prepared to take greater responsibility for its own defence.
The interview explores how NATO is adapting to a changing strategic environment, where European allies are expected to shoulder more of the burden while maintaining the transatlantic partnership. Dr Lazarou stresses that strengthening European defence should complement NATO rather than replace it.
She also addresses the implications of these changes for smaller European countries, including the Baltic states and Greece. Although their security concerns arise from different regional contexts, she suggests that they share common challenges related to deterrence, territorial security, and the need for credible alliances. In this respect, she argues that the Baltic countries may better understand Greece’s security concerns than is often assumed.
Another key theme is Turkey’s growing strategic importance. As one of NATO’s largest military powers, Turkey is likely to play an increasingly influential role if Europe assumes greater responsibility for its defence. This development presents both opportunities and challenges for the Alliance and raises important questions for Greece and Cyprus regarding regional security and the balance of power in NATO’s southern flank.
Throughout the interview, Dr Lazarou emphasizes that Europe’s future security will depend on stronger cooperation among European allies, greater investment in defence capabilities, and sustained political unity within both the European Union and NATO.
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