Peaceful Europe of the future needs missiles and bullets. This phrase today sounds like a realistic motto of European security policy, where the idea of comprehensive peace has been replaced by the necessity of strengthening defense. July 11, 2025, became a day that underscored this shift: several military, political, and defense-related events confirmed that Europe is preparing for a potential long-term confrontation. One of the most important events was the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, where not only reconstruction plans were discussed, but also military aid. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. Congress representatives to secure deliveries of new air defense systems, including "Patriot." Germany and Norway financially supported the process. Meanwhile, NATO held the final phase of the Sea Breeze 25-2 naval exercises in the Black Sea, focusing on mine countermeasures. Airborne exercises Swift Response 2025 continued with participation from Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Italy. In another landmark development, the UK and France announced a joint nuclear capability program. The agreement includes a coordination committee and development of new missile systems. The EU’s defense strategy highlighted the Readiness 2030 plan — up to €800 billion will be mobilized for defense needs, including creation of infrastructure, production of ammunition, air defense, drones, and artillery. At the NATO summit in The Hague, allies confirmed their intention to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with Ukraine as a key strategic priority. These developments reflect Europe's shift from post-crisis pacifist thinking to active armed deterrence. Europe is building a new security architecture where bullets, missiles, and alliances are once again fundamental pillars of stability. Sources: 1. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/11/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1233 2. https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jul/10/russia-ukraine-war-europe-live-latest-news-updates-putin-zelenskyy-von-der-leyen-eu 3. https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/display-news/Article/4229798/exercise-sea-breeze-25-2-opens-with-focus-on-black-sea-mine-counter-measures/ 4. https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/DefenderEurope/SwiftResponse/dvpTag/2025/ 5. https://www.reuters.com/world/france-britain-unveil-nuclear-weapons-cooperation-counter-threat-europe-2025-07-10/ 6. https://www.azernews.az/region/244489.html 7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Readiness_2030 8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_The_Hague_NATO_summit