10 Most Powerful Countries in Europe

3. Russia

Military Ranking: 1

Economic Ranking: 5

Political-Influence Ranking: 4

Russia is one of the most powerful countries in Europe. Although its military is arguably considered the second most powerful in the world, and the most powerful in Europe, its military incompetence in Ukraine paints a different picture. 

Regardless, it has the most powerful military arsenal in Europe, but the country lags behind in power-projection capabilities, owing to only one aircraft carrier, and fewer overseas bases than countries like France and the UK. 

Military power aside, Russia is widely regarded as one of the most politically influential countries in the world, largely due to its veto power in the UN Security Council, membership in BRICS and close partnership with China.