2016 was full of major developments in European security. Moscow’s campaign against the Western democracies went beyond the DNC hack and interference in the US elections. Russia’s influence operations were also active across Europe, drawing particular concern in Germany and Sweden. NATO’s readiness problem remains a critical vulnerability, particularly among its maritime capabilities. The Alliance also faces a major geo-strategic challenge reinforcing its easternmost members through the Suwalki Gap. The creation of a new intelligence chief in NATO and another embarrassing spy case highlight the growing importance of intelligence issues to alliance members. The following ten stories reveal which issues our readers found most intriguing in 2016.

 

Image: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at Warsaw Summit, July 6, 2016 (photo: NATO)