The European Union has made enhancing European defense capabilities and supporting Ukraine a top priority following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The EU has provided significant financial, humanitarian, and military aid to Ukraine, with military support reaching 49.3 billion euros. EU member states, with the exception of Hungary, have agreed to continue supplying arms to Ukraine, and some countries like France and the UK are considering sending troops after a potential peace agreement. However, the EU lacks a unified military force and relies on NATO for defense, with 23 EU members being part of the Alliance. Amid concerns about potential reduced US involvement in NATO, the EU approved the “ReArm Europe” plan in March to mobilize 800 billion euros for defense by 2030.
Experts argue that supporting Ukraine is crucial for Europe’s security, as Ukrainian soldiers stress that the conflict is not just about Ukraine’s freedom but also about the security of Europe as a whole. There are concerns that freezing the conflict in case of a truce would not solve the territorial issue and could lead to further Russian demands, jeopardizing Europe’s stability. Ukrainian civil-cooperation officer Maksym warns that yielding to Russia’s territorial demands would leave Ukraine vulnerable to further invasion. Several European leaders share the concern that Russia’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, making the outcome of the war crucial for Europe. However, the EU is excluded from the ongoing truce talks between Washington and Moscow, raising questions about its role in shaping the outcome.
Steven Everts, director of the EU Institute for Security Studies, advocates for the EU to continue supporting Ukraine and prevent any agreements that would undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity. He suggests practical steps such as providing better training for Ukrainian forces and enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to withstand Russian bombardments. Everts advises against sending European troops to Ukraine as a peacekeeping mission, highlighting that the EU is not neutral but on the side of Ukraine. He emphasizes the importance of shoring up Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself, rather than intervening as peacekeepers.
The EU’s reliance on NATO for defense and concerns about US military spending raising questions about Europe’s long-term security strategy. The “ReArm Europe” plan aims to mobilize significant funds for defense by 2030, but the EU’s aspirations for an independent defense capability will take time to materialize. Supporting Ukraine in the conflict with Russia is seen as crucial for Europe’s security, with many experts warning against freezing the conflict and emphasizing the need to prevent further Russian territorial demands. As the EU is excluded from the truce talks between the US and Russia, its role in shaping the outcome of the war remains uncertain. It is essential for the EU to continue supporting Ukraine and to focus on enhancing its defense capabilities to ensure its security and sovereignty.
