Alain Berset: Europe is not sufficiently prepared for modern forms of conflict

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, assessed that Europe is currently not sufficiently prepared for modern forms of conflict that could accompany a possible confrontation with Russia. This concerns not only military actions, but also cyber attacks, disinformation operations and threats to critical infrastructure.

We are not really well prepared for this, to be honest," Berset said in an interview with the American "Newsweek" on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York.

According to Berset, Russia's war against Ukraine showed how quickly the nature of military operations is changing. Drones are becoming increasingly important as they allow for long-distance attacks, at lower costs and with limited direct involvement of soldiers.

However, the head of the Council of Europe emphasized that hybrid threats go far beyond the battlefield. In his opinion, information security, protection of energy systems and infrastructure resilience are key today.

The most important issue is information, infrastructure, manipulation and interference with information, Berset emphasized. He admitted that Europe may have weaknesses in the area of ​​energy, security systems and infrastructure as a whole.

Berset pointed out that in recent years, European countries have already made important decisions regarding strengthening their own defense potential. According to data cited by Newsweek, defense spending of the 27 European Union countries is expected to exceed USD 516 billion this year. This is an increase of 75%. compared to the level from five years ago.

The EU's Readiness 2030 program, previously known as ReArm Europe, additionally assumes the possibility of mobilizing up to EUR 800 billion for defense.

However, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe emphasized that investments in armies and weapons should be accompanied by strengthening democratic institutions, the rule of law and social resilience.

Berset warned that simply increasing arsenals will not be enough unless states maintain effective democratic control over their armed forces and political processes.

In his opinion, Europe must invest in the so-called democratic security. It means, among other things, building strong institutions capable of counteracting information manipulation, the influence of extremist groups and the weakening of public debate.

The head of the Council of Europe pointed out that the continent is currently facing the consequences of subsequent crises: financial, migration, pandemic and security caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine. An additional challenge is the development of social media and artificial intelligence, including technologies enabling the creation of deepfakes.

Berset emphasized that transatlantic relations remain important for Europe's security. At the same time, in his opinion, European countries should use their own potential and ability to act together.

Europe's strength is quite underestimated, he said. He pointed to the cooperation of 27 European Union countries, the common market, the currency used by the majority of EU members and common regulations.

According to the head of the Council of Europe, the response to growing threats should be the simultaneous strengthening of defense, infrastructure, information resilience and democratic institutions.