Three Years into Russia’s War on Ukraine: Defining the EU’s Geopolitical Future

Three years ago, Russia launched its brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, an attack not just on a sovereign nation but on fundamental values of democracy, human dignity, and the rules-based international order.

As we mark this anniversary, we stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience in defending their country and the principles that bind us together as Europeans.

Since the first day of the invasion, the EESC, its members, and the European civil society it represents have stood by Ukraine – not only symbolically but with concrete action.

Today, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, democracy, and European future, and we call on the EU to sustain and strengthen its political, economic, humanitarian, and military support.

At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, recent statements by U.S. representatives questioning NATO’s collective defence commitment are deeply alarming. Europe cannot afford to be complacent.

Ukraine is fighting not just for its survival but for the security of the entire European continent.

The EESC urges EU leaders to seize this moment to bolster European security and defence capabilities, redefine strategic autonomy, defend multilateralism and deepen cooperation with the UN, while forging stronger global partnerships with democratic allies beyond Europe. These efforts must be accompanied by appropriate commitments to European security and defence spending.

While the 16th package of sanctions against Russia is a welcomed step, Europe must go further. To defend its own security, prosperity and democracy, as well as ensuring its future geopolitical relevance, the EU is called upon to:

• Agree on a long-term strategy to enhance EU preparedness and defend its foreign and security priorities;
• Prepare a collective EU strategy and ensure a European presence in the negotiations to end the war in Ukraine;
• Redefining strategic autonomy and enhance cooperation with its neighbourhood, making EU enlargement a geopolitical priority;
• Expand global partnerships with likeminded democracies, and reinforce strong cooperation with UN to strengthen multilateralism in order to counter authoritarian influence around the globe;
• Strengthen European defence capabilities, with a European-led approach to innovation, logistics, surveillance, and nuclear deterrence, while reducing dependency on external partners;
• Maximise the use of immobilised Russian assets to support Ukraine and compensate for the lack of U.S. financial assistance.

Europe must act now.

Indecision is not an option. Autocrats and aggressors thrive on hesitation.

Democracies must stand united and firm.

The EU must define its geopolitical future at a time when its transatlantic alliance faces new uncertainties. While we must continue to prioritise close EU-U.S. ties, Europe must assert itself as a global actor capable of ensuring its own security and upholding the rule of law internationally.

History teaches us that inaction emboldens aggressors. The EESC calls on the EU to reinforce its strategic autonomy, defending both democracy and fundamental rights, and standing resolutely with Ukraine. The time for strategic geopolitical action by the EU is now.

*Oliver Röpke is the President of the European Economic and Social Commitee