As Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine enters its fifth year, the EU should tighten the screws and align its policy instruments within a coherent strategy that contributes to a just and lasting peace.

Defence clusters – small groups of aligned states – provide the most viable route to strengthen European military capabilities, allowing for greater industrial and operational cooperation. The EU should support and connect clusters into a more coherent European defence ecosystem.

Europe's drive to rearm cannot stop at its borders. The Western Balkans can bolster EU defence readiness – through industrial cooperation, military mobility and regional stability – if deeper integration is matched by governance reform and credible enlargement incentives.

The renewed debate over a European Security Council underscores Europe’s search for more effective decision-making in security policy. The most realistic way forward is strengthening existing formats rather than constructing an entirely new institution.