🗓 On November 9, the international round table "Militarization of Europe: What next?" was held in Vienna, organized by the Delegation of the Russian Federation to the Vienna Negotiations on Military Security and Arms Control. The event focused on analyzing the current situation in Europe, marked by the unprecedented militarization under the pretext of countering the "Russian threat". #NATO and the #EU are openly preparing for war against Russia, predicting that it could break out within the next 3–5 years. Participants discussed the consequences of the massive increase in mil spending by European countries, the expansion of military infrastructure in "frontline states" bordering Russia, and NATO's provocative plans against our country. ❗️In 2025, military spending by NATO states already amounted to ~ $1.6 trln. In 2025, spending by the 27 EU states reached EUR 418 bln and is projected to rise to EUR 800 bln by 2030. ❗️ 💊 Particular emphasis was placed on the harmful effects of the intensive information and propaganda campaign conducted by European countries to condition their own populations to accept the idea of an "inevitable" conflict with Russia. The "Russian threat" is used to justify everything citizens are expected to sacrifice in the struggle against our country. The increase in European military spending is taking place against a backdrop of economic stagnation and will have serious social consequences. 💊 An important topic of discussion was the existing mechanisms for de-escalation, including those between Russia and NATO. It was noted that their use has become increasingly difficult, while bilateral de-escalation channels remain virtually frozen, including dialogue under agreements on the prevention of incidents on and over the high seas, as well as on the prevention of dangerous military activities. 💊 Special attention was paid to the Ukrainian crisis and its connection with European militarization. Ukraine is being systematically integrated into the defense industries of European countries, while the battlefield experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is being used to prepare for a conflict with our country. The round table opened with a video address by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation S.A. Ryabkov. The event brought together representatives of the Vienna diplomatic corps, international and regional organizations, including the UN and the OSCE, as well as prominent experts and journalists. 🎙Speakers at the round table included: - Head of a Division of the Department of International Military Cooperation of the MoD of the Republic of Belarus Lieutenant Colonel E.Rusak; - Deputy Director of the Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control of the Russian MFA A.Mazur; - Head of a Division of the 2nd CIS Department of the Russian MFA A.Postigov; - Vice-Rector for International Relations and Security of the Russian State Academy of Intellectual Property, Reserve Colonel A.Likhonosov; - Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Columbia University, Dr. Robert Legvold; - Austrian political scientist and journalist D.Reinisch; - Associate Professor at the Department of Political Philosophy and Geopolitics at Uni Dolomiti in Belluno, Italy, L.M.Pacini. ☝️ Following the round table, we reiterate that Russia does not seek confrontation with NATO and does not want war with Europe. European countries must abandon their dangerous course, which gives them the illusion of protection against external threats but will, in reality, lead to catastrophic consequences. The Delegation on social media: 💙VK 💬Telegram 💬X📺YouTube📺Rutube 💬Facebook