Central and Eastern Europe becomes focal point of NATO security adaptation (defence24.com)

• Russia's war and hybrid operations make Central and Eastern Europe the primary security test for NATO and EU.
• NATO's internal divisions and forward deployment shape adaptation.
• EU energy diversification and sanctions are central to resilience and defence.

"The article argues that Central and Eastern Europe has transitioned from being the eastern edge to the main test of NATO and EU collective security. Russian aggression in Ukraine, pressure on Belarus, militarization of Kaliningrad, and hybrid operations compel adaptation. NATO's post-Cold War enlargement and forward presence (battlegroups since 2016) are highlighted, but internal divergences among allies remain. Belarus is increasingly absorbed into Russia's military system. Kaliningrad's A2/AD capabilities complicate reinforcement. The Black Sea axis affects Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye. Hybrid tools (cyber, disinformation, energy) are used below war threshold. EU sanctions, energy diversification, and LNG infrastructure bolster resilience. Ukraine's integration would reshape the strategic map. Institutional reform (UN, OSCE) is needed."