In this episode of The Sound of Economics, we examine the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in Europe, driven by the ongoing war in Ukraine, shifting alliances, and the changing role of the United States in NATO. Host Rebecca Christie is joined by Bruegel experts Heather Grabbe and Guntram B. Wolff to discuss the critical questions facing European policymakers: What level of financial and military support is the EU prepared to provide to Ukraine? Can Europe step up to replace U.S. security guarantees, and what would that entail? How are NATO and EU alliances evolving in response to these pressures? What role will collective defence spending and procurement play in reshaping Europe’s military posture?

*This podcast was recorded on Friday morning CET, 28 February 2025.

Read the recent Analysis by Alexandr Burilkov and Guntram B. Wolff, Defending Europe without the US: first estimates of what is needed.