Europe and the War in Ukraine: From Russian Aggression to a New Eastern Policy

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 shook the world and has caused immense suffering and destruction in the invaded country. All indications are that the war will drag on deep into 2023. Until now the conflict has been highly dynamic, both militarily and politically. Ambitions, objectives and achievements have been as dynamic as the policies of the stakeholders involved. While not a military player itself, the European Union has emerged as a significant actor by aiding the Ukrainian war effort, supporting refugees, sanctioning Russia and turning Ukraine into a candidate for EU membership.

This book tracks these developments and looks at the key aspects of the war from a European perspective. Beyond the causes and consequences of the war, it explores how Europe – and, more specifically, the EU – has performed during the conflict: something that is likely to determine the future of our continent in many ways.

Praise for Europe and the Way in Ukraine

“Russian aggression against Ukraine has dominated both politics and life in Europe since the invasion began in February 2022. And while it is primarily the population of Ukraine that suffers terribly from Vladimir Putin’s war, the indirect effects have been felt worldwide. This book vividly illustrates that wars involving great powers can no longer be contained regionally in a globalised world.”

— Lubomir Zaorálek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic (2014–2017)

“Putin’s invasion of Ukraine brought with it the potential to create chaos in the international system. This book – a valuable contribution from FEPS – offers the first comprehensive account of the war and its repercussions in Europe and should serve as a key stimulus for informed debate about Ukraine’s future in Europe.”

— Enrique Barón Crespo, former president of the European Parliament (1989–1992)

“For students, researchers and policymakers trying to get their heads round the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its tragic consequences both inside Europe and also beyond, this book will be an indispensable source of analysis and information, even while the conflict rages on and despite the fact that our world will never be the same again.”

— Nathalie Tocci, director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali (Rome) and honorary professor at the University of Tübingen

László Andor is a Hungarian economist. He was the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion between 2010 and 2014 and a member of the Board of Directors of the EBRD between 2005 and 2010. He has lectured at Corvinus University (Budapest), the Hertie School (Berlin), the ULB (Brussels), Sciences Po (Paris) and the European University Viadrina (Frankfurt, Oder).

Uwe Optenhögel is a vice president of FEPS and a political analyst and publisher. He was previously the network coordinator of the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) in Brussels and the international director of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Bonn/Berlin.