The Rise, and Rise of Europe

ON August 15, 2025, the much-anticipated Alaska summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin ended without a concrete peace plan for Ukraine. Hopes that the meeting would produce a breakthrough gave way to frustration, as both leaders appeared entrenched in their positions.

Days after (on August 18), European leaders gathered at the White House with President Trump to explore ways to help a beleaguered Ukraine secure at least a ceasefire. But the question remains: will this lead to lasting peace, or simply prolong the conflict?

Why Ukraine Matters to Europe

Ukraine is not just another battleground—it is a strategic lifeline for Europe. A European Council on Foreign Relations report notes that Ukraine is vital to the continent’s security architecture, serving as both a buffer against Russian aggression and a major supplier of grain and energy transit routes. Control of Ukraine determines not only the flow of food and energy but also the balance of power in Eastern Europe.

Without strong U.S. leadership, Europe now faces the burden of ensuring Ukraine’s survival. Analysts from the Carnegie Europe think tank have warned that if Washington weakens its commitment, Europe will be forced to fill the gap—militarily, politically, and economically. Could this crisis become the catalyst for a more unified and militarized Europe?

A Re-Arming of Europe

President Trump’s willingness to concede ground to Putin at the Alaska summit has rattled European capitals. While Washington appears divided, European leaders are moving toward greater defense integration. In June, the European Union announced plans for a new Defense Industry Program aimed at accelerating weapons production, while NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that Europe must “carry a greater share of the load.”

Some analysts believe this moment may mark the birth of a new European defense identity. If the U.S. cannot be relied upon, Europe may take charge of NATO, reshaping it into an alliance where European power dominates. Such a development could shift the balance of global military strength—and echoes ancient prophecies that foretold of a powerful bloc rising again on the continent.

Prophecy and the Resurgence of Europe

The Bible has long spoken of a great power to rise from Europe. In Daniel 2, the prophet describes a statue representing successive world empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome [Europe]. Daniel 7 portrays these kingdoms as four beasts, with the fourth (Rome) described as “dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong” (Daniel 7:7). History confirms these empires ruled in succession, yet prophecy also indicates a future revival of the Roman system in the last days.

The apostle John, in Revelation 13, describes a Beast empowered by the dragon (Satan), ruling with political and military strength, and supported by a False Prophet who deceives the nations. Revelation 17 speaks of a "woman"—symbolizing a religious system—riding the Beast, pointing to an unholy alliance of politics and religion that promises peace but leads to destruction.

Could the re-emergence of a militarized Europe, galvanized by the crisis in Ukraine, be the beginning stages of this prophetic fulfillment? Scripture warns of a coming “false peace,” when nations will say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Prophecy Timeline of Europe from Rome to Today--

c. 31 B.C. – 476 A.D. – Rome, the Fourth Beast

The Roman Empire dominates the Mediterranean world, fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy of the “dreadful and terrible” fourth beast (Daniel 7:7).

476 A.D. – 800 A.D. – Division and Revivals of Europe

Rome collapses into ten kingdoms, foreshadowing the ten horns in Daniel 7:24.

800 A.D. – 1806 A.D. – Holy Roman Empire

Charlemagne crowned Emperor (800 A.D.), beginning centuries of church-state alliances in Europe.

1930s – 1940s – Rome’s Shadow Revived

Fascist powers in Europe under Mussolini and Hitler echo the “Beast” system of Revelation.

Post–World War II – European Integration

The European Coal and Steel Community (1951) and later the European Union begin stitching the continent together again.

Today – Toward a New European Power Bloc

With U.S. support uncertain, Europe moves toward military rearmament and deeper unity—signs of the prophesied revival of the Beast (Revelation 17:12–13).

Future (Prophetic) – The Final Beast Power

Ten kings (nations or leaders) will “give their power and authority to the Beast” (Revelation 17:13). This power will dominate the world stage—until Christ returns.

The False Peace of Babylon System

The world longs for peace, but human efforts—whether through summits, treaties, or alliances—have always fallen short. The Bible describes Babylon as a deceptive system offering the illusion of unity and prosperity, yet leading the nations into spiritual captivity (Revelation 18:3–5). The false prophet will perform “great signs” (Revelation 13:13), and the Beast will enforce worship and loyalty through coercion.

Europe may indeed rise to fill the vacuum left by a wavering America. It may even succeed in brokering a temporary peace in Ukraine or beyond. But prophecy reminds us that this peace will be fragile, short-lived, and deceptive.

The True Prince of Peace

In contrast, the prophet Isaiah pointed to the only lasting solution: the coming of the Messiah, “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Unlike human rulers, Christ will return to establish a kingdom of righteousness and justice. Zechariah 14:9 declares, “The LORD shall be King over all the earth.” Only then will swords be beaten into plowshares, and nations will learn war no more (Micah 4:3).

The rise of Europe, the war in Ukraine, and the shifting balance of global power are sobering reminders that Bible prophecy is unfolding before our eyes. Yet Christians need not despair. These developments point forward to the greatest hope of all: the return of Jesus Christ, who alone can bring real and lasting peace.

Until then, we must watch world events carefully, remain spiritually vigilant, and anchor our hope not in the promises of men, but in the sure Word of God!