WP: Russian invasion of Ukraine changes Europe

EU abandons cautious approach in foreign policy

The fighting in Ukraine is remaking Europe: no one expected the EU to abandon its caution so quickly, writes The Washington Post. The publication notes that the EU has long been criticized for inefficiency in foreign policy, but what is happening now in Ukraine has led to a gigantic crisis, and this may prompt the EU "finally to become a real geopolitical force."

The European Union is now showing signs of "new political resolve and unity in response to Putin's aggression," writes WP. Thus, countries are imposing tough sanctions and offering military assistance to Ukraine. “Our research suggests that this could be a turning point in the EU's path. History shows that only in the crucible of war do obstacles to the sharp centralization of power melt away, and this can happen in a variety of political areas,” the authors say.

The WP writes that the European Union, despite its merits, has never been the ideal of an efficient and reliable system, it was not unconditionally loved by those who shared a weak sense of European identity. There were financial and migration crises in Europe. The EU has dismantled internal borders while failing to centralize control over external ones. Military spending lagged behind the level at which countries could ensure their security. No real European security forces have been created. On many issues, the EU lacked solidarity.

The war in Ukraine could change that, writes The Washington Post. Increasing security and taxes requires the centralization of power, which works best during situations like this. So far, the EU has been largely shaped by market forces, but now the EU is moving faster than ever before.

The entry of troops into Ukraine is a clear threat to the EU, and the authoritarian regime in Russia can be a common enemy that will rally the people of Europe. The steps taken in the last 24 hours in the form of tough sanctions have been unprecedented. Separately, the publication stipulates the speech of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "His speech upset decades of post-war German reluctance to increase military power," writes WP.