Since the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the EU has been steadfast in its support for Ukraine. This has been evidenced by ongoing initiatives such as the Ukraine Facility to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros in grants and loans for recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation for the years 2024-2027. The EU has also imposed 13 comprehensive sanctions packages against Russia, designed to maximise the negative impact on the Russian economy, while the European Council decided to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova in December 2023. 

In addition, the European Commission is set to unveil in March 2024 two initiatives aiming to redefine the EU’s security and defence landscape: the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and the European Defence Investment Programme (EDIP).  

In line with the ambitions set out in the Strategic Compass, these strategic frameworks signify a joint effort to ensure the EU’s defence readiness. The EDIS represents a comprehensive approach to revitalising Europe’s defence industry. By fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration, and streamlining joint procurement processes, this strategy aims to build a robust and competitive defence sector capable of meeting evolving security demands and boosting the EU’s industrial capacity to support Ukraine.  

Despite the above, as 24 February 2024 marks the second anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, challenges persist, casting doubt on the effectiveness and sustainability of the current strategy. The complexities in decision-making and consensus-building in the European Council, and the use of the vote by one Member State, have highlighted how the current institutional architecture can become an obstacle in the EU’s efforts to offer cohesive and effective support for Ukraine and address the various geopolitical tensions in its wider neighbourhood. The strength of the European project lies in unity, solidarity, and determination. The EU can contribute to international peace and security by adopting a more uniform security and defence policy. 

 Key Texts 

• European Parliament: Report on deepening EU integration in view of future enlargement
• European Commission: Sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine

Upcoming Events 

• 25 February 2024: Brussels demonstration in support of Ukraine
• 21-22 March 2024: European Council 

 European Movement International’s Position 

As we argue in our policy position on the Future of European Security and Defence Cooperation, the EU needs to show strong political will to keep supporting Ukraine and advance its security and defence capabilities. The EU can protect its citizens, as well as Ukraine, and contribute to international peace and security by adopting a more uniform security and defence policy.  

Our recommendation is to develop a fully-fledged European Defence Union (EDU) through the harmonisation of European armed forces, under full control of national parliaments and the European Parliament, to ensure peace across the European continent. The EU must increase spending and investment in its defence capabilities through already existing initiatives such as the European Peace Facility (EPF) and the European Defence Fund (EDF).  

Moreover, the EU’s response to the war and the efforts to impose sanctions on Russia have shown that changes are needed in the decision-making process. There can be no further postponement of urgently needed reforms of the way the EU makes decisions. Member States’ vetoes must be overcome by switching from unanimity to qualified majority voting (QMV) in the areas of foreign affairs and security and defence and launch a Third Convention to reform the EU’s Treaties. A comprehensive institutional reform is a crucial precondition if an enlarged Union wants to be capable of responding to emerging challenges and strategically countering external threats.