The European Union’s (EU) efforts to develop a common security and foreign policy have faced major challenges in the 21st century. The biggest of these could be the Russia-Ukraine War. In continental Europe, Hungary and Slovakia’s outbursts on Ukraine are among the most debated issues.
The statements of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico are noteworthy in this regard. In a speech in early 2024, Fico said that Ukraine should give up its territory in order to end the “Russian occupation”.[1] Robert Fico also emphasized his opposition to Kiev’s accession to NATO, saying: “There has to be some kind of compromise. What are they waiting for? That the Russians will leave Crimea, Donbas and Luhansk? This is not realistic.”[2] Claiming that Ukraine’s NATO membership would be the basis for World War III, Fico said, “(Today) Ukraine is not an independent and sovereign country. It is completely under the influence and control of the United States of America (USA).”[3]
The war in Ukraine has contributed to the resurgence of individualism and nation-state mentality in Europe, the strengthening of the far right and micro-nationalism, and the rise of Euroscepticism. Countries such as Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands now believe that more attention should be paid to their own people, welfare and security. The political, defense-security and economic pillars of the European integration project have entered a process of simultaneous collapse. The European Union and NATO have become key elements of the transatlantic divide.
It is obvious that Ukraine’s accession process to both the EU and NATO will be quite painful. First of all, countries like Slovakia and Hungary are firmly opposed to Ukraine joining NATO, warning that this could lead to World War III. Germany and the United States are also opposed to Ukraine’s accession to NATO on purely political grounds, regardless of its military capacity. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has warned that Russia could attack NATO within 5-8 years.[4] In such an environment, NATO and EU enlargement can only accelerate the process leading to the Third World War.
While Eastern European countries are on high alert against the threat “emanating from Russia”, at the same time the whole of Europe continues to support Ukraine. When the Prime Minister of Slovakia claims that Ukraine is not sovereign and is under the control of the US, he is actually criticizing the security of Europe. Europe’s security is in the hands of the United States and in this context Europe’s future depends on the course of transatlantic relations.
Europe wants to continue its support for Ukraine, while at the same time expecting the US to do the same. Without American assistance, it is very difficult for Europe to sustain Ukraine on its own. In other words, it may not make sense for the EU to support Ukraine on its own without US military-material assistance. Therefore, transatlantic relations have almost reached a crossroads due to the Ukraine issue. The UK is trying to ensure the continuation of this support by acting as a bridge between continental Europe and the US.
Economic and military financing for Ukraine, as well as negotiations on its accession to the EU, is another point of contention. To date, Ukraine’s determined struggle against Russia has been appreciated by the West. However, the US and Europe are less enthusiastic than before, both in terms of billions of dollars of tangible military aid and binding political commitments, including accession to blocs such as the EU and NATO.[5] The Guardian, citing a European diplomat, reported that a new group of countries in Europe (Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria and Italy) have changed their view of Ukraine compared to last year.[6] Accordingly, these countries prioritize their own national interests and well-being and put the money to be sent to Ukraine in second place.
Signs of a return to the nation state are growing stronger in Europe. In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders, known for his “Nexit” views, advocates for the country to leave the European Union. Countries like the Netherlands in Western Europe, Italy in the south and Slovakia and Hungary in Eastern Europe are setting the stage for a new debate on the future of Europe. Without the creation of a European Army, the continent’s dependence on NATO, and therefore on the United States, will not end.
Consequently, the idea of a return to the nation-state in Europe will not be possible unless it is supported by defense-security pillars. In short, Europe’s political autonomy and enlargement cannot be considered independent of its defense-security pillars. Therefore, today, Ukraine’s inclusion in Europe’s political and security pillars is not a decision that Europe alone can make. Recently, there has been an increased outcry in Europe over Ukraine. Nevertheless, it is still not possible for Europe to act independently of the US line on this issue.
[1] “Slovak PM: Ukraine Must Give Up Territory to End Russian Invasion”, Politico, https://www.politico.eu/article/slovakia-prime-minister-robert-fico-ukraine-cede-territory-russia-moscow-invasion-nato-entry/, (Accessed Date: 12.22.2024).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] “Putin could attack NATO in ‘5 to 8 years,’ German defense minister warns”, https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-russia-germany-boris-pistorius-nato/, (Accessed Date: 12.22.2024).
[5] “Ukraine’s Zelensky and Hungary’s Orban Reflect A Divided Washington”, Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/12/12/zelensky-orban-hungary-ukraine-aid-eu-funding/, (Accessed Date: 12.22.2024).
[6] “EU Leaders Hope To Face Down Viktor Orbán Over Ukraine Funds Veto”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/13/eu-leaders-hope-to-face-down-viktor-orban-ukraine-funds-veto, (Accessed Date: 12.22.2024).
