Thu Dec 04 06:04:07 UTC 2025: ## European Fears Rise: Over Half See High Risk of War with Russia, Poll Finds
Brussels, Belgium – A new survey reveals growing anxiety across Europe, with a majority of citizens in several EU member states believing there is a significant risk of war with Russia. The poll, conducted by French pollster Cluster17 and published Thursday in Le Grand Continent, found that just over half of respondents across nine European countries perceived the threat as “high” or “very high.”
Poland, bordering Russia and formerly part of the Soviet Union, exhibited the highest level of concern, with 77% of respondents believing a conflict is likely. Close behind were Belgium and the Netherlands (59%), followed by Germany, France, and Spain (roughly 50%). Italians were the least apprehensive, with only 34% seeing a high risk.
The findings come amidst heightened tensions in Europe following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Several nations, including France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, are taking steps to bolster their defenses. France recently announced the reintroduction of voluntary military service, citing the need to counter potential Russian aggression.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to these concerns on Tuesday, stating that Moscow was “ready” for war if Europe initiated a conflict. “We are not going to fight Europe, I have said this a hundred times. But if Europe suddenly wants to fight and starts, we are ready right now,” Putin told reporters.
The poll also revealed that just under half of European respondents view former U.S. President Donald Trump as an “enemy of Europe,” marking a four-point increase since September. The growing anxieties underscore the fragile security environment in Europe and the widespread concern over potential escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
First Piper 