Splits are appearing in Europe’s approach to Russia’s aggression just when it needs to present a united front.
- Member of the Conflict Analysis Research Centre, University of Kent
- Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute
The two wars are forcing the EU to take a more assertive role in defence and security affairs, leading to arguments between senior officials.
To placate pro-Moscow governments in Hungary, Slovakia and Czechia, the EU had to include an ‘opt-out’ clause for its support for Ukraine.
Despite exhaustive discussions, neither the EU or the US has come up with any really substantial measures to boost Ukraine’s defence.
There are indications that the US president wants to leave Europe to fight its own battles.
What the UK’s main political parties have pledged on foreign policy in their manifestos.
Hunt might have pleased the Conservative party faithful, but he’s offended Britain’s closest allies.
The prime minister conceded that the UK must continue to abide by European Court of Justice rulings, even after Brexit.
Now citizens have a louder voice than ever, the UK badly needs to decide on its role in the world.
The starting gun has been fired but political pressures on both sides of the Channel make a settlement a tall order.
Each part of the UK has power over certain international issues. And each is going to want a good deal.
The government has set out its thinking on Brexit. So what have we learned?
The UK has to move on from these petty squabbles and start coming up with a plan.
When it loses the UK, the EU loses an important military power, which makes the remaining countries keener than ever to collaborate.
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