Granting Ukraine EU candidate status would send an important signal to its government and citizens. But this must go hand in hand with weapons supplies and support for the country’s reconstruction.
The parliamentary election setback for President Macron and bickering inside the German and Italian coalitions play into Moscow’s hands. If EU member states falter over Ukraine, European security will be jeopardized.
EU member states have no shared vision of how to deal with Russia as it continues its attack on Ukraine. Rushing to end the war at all costs could have devastating consequences for Kyiv and Europe.
One of Russia’s aims in Ukraine is gaining access to vital resources the EU needs to deliver on its climate change agenda. The use of force and instrumentalization of war are central to Moscow’s strategy.
The war in Ukraine has given impetus to a new round of EU enlargement. Concerns about corruption, stagnation, and democratic backsliding tendencies may hamper the union's response but engagement with Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia must be sustained.
Recent moves by Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are strengthening European security. But Russia’s aggression against Ukraine must fundamentally change how NATO and the EU approach their Eastern neighbors.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s negative stance toward Finland and Sweden joining NATO jeopardizes further enlargement of the alliance amid great geopolitical insecurity. Breaking this stalemate will require a compromise from all sides.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has created a new sense of urgency for Europe to invest in defense. While NATO remains the main collective defense organization, the EU should build capabilities to complement its efforts.
Chancellor Scholz’s delay in sending heavy weapons to Ukraine is hurting Kyiv’s chances of preserving its sovereignty. It is also damaging Germany’s standing across Europe.
Driven by domestic considerations, Turkey has triggered a major crisis inside NATO by blocking the Finnish and Swedish membership bids. This move inevitably plays into the hands of the Kremlin.