![]() But the EU27 have, in conjunction with the US and other like-minded partners, shown real resolve and determination, breaking many taboos. The EU and NATO have been, and are, rightly trying to avoid a direct military confrontation with Russia to prevent a further escalation of the conflict, which could lead to the use of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction. While some in the EU (and beyond) have been naive about Putin’s intentions, the age of innocence clearly ended when Russian tanks crossed the Ukrainian border. Not doing so would invite the Kremlin to continue down the path Putin embarked on 15 years ago, and also send the wrong signals in view of future geopolitical or geo-economic crises. Out of fear that this major crisis could spiral further out of control, the EU and its member states have understood that there is no alternative but to counter the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Contrary to Putin’s original objectives, the transatlantic alliance has been reinvigorated, and the US is again fully engaged in Europe (at least, for the time being). In response to the 24 February attack, the EU27 have acted more decisively, united and faster than in any other crisis since 2007. If the EU and its member states do not act now, we will live in a world determined by others, with stifling constraints on our ability to shape our future and defend our values and interests for generations to come. The Union must move forward, and to do so, the EU27 will have to demonstrate both unity and ambition along a concrete reform path. EU and national policies will have to change radically, as the status quo ante no longer exists and will not return, no matter how hard some might wish this to be the case. All our societies are or will be, sooner rather than later, affected profoundly by this moment, and inaction is not an option. Russia’s invasion is a watershed for Europe – or, as Chancellor Scholz dubbed it, a Zeitenwende –, signalling the dawn of a new era. The war is aimed at not only Ukraine but all liberal democracies, directly challenging our interests and values and putting into question the European and international order. There is no justification for this war of aggression and the war crimes that Russian troops have already carried out – all driven by revisionist ideology and the neo-imperial ambitions of President Putin and his supporters. ![]() Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a major transgression against, and tragedy for, a sovereign country and its people wanting to determine their own future. The EU27 must decide whether the integration project can once again become a success story – this time in reaction to the watershed moment we are experiencing. It must demonstrate both unity and ambition along a concrete reform path, specifically across 10 strategic areas. (Link to PDF version is at the end of the webpage.) ![]()
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