The European Union struggles on finding peace for Ukraine.

Translated by: Era Stojani.

Today, more than seventy years after the founding of the Community that would later become the European Union, a new war appears closely intertwined with its history, while also shaping its  future.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, in violation of its sovereignty, risponded a series of events that deeply involve European institutions, which brought into an agreement of  themselves with the Ukrainian cause. In particular, Dmytro Kuleba (former Ukrainian Foreign Minister), referring to the relations between Ukraine and the European Union, described them as “a brotherhood in diplomatic arms.” The EU has indeed undertaken numerous initiatives, determined to support its Ukrainian partner, echoing a phrase frequently used by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola: “for as long as it takes.”

The European Union’s Support for Ukraine

The EU’s reaction to Russia’s war of aggression was swift and resolute: all 27 Member States immediately issued a unanimous condemnation and agreed on the need to politically and economically isolate the Russian Federation, also taking into account violations of international law and calling for a full investigation into war crimes and other violations committed.

The support provided by EU institutions has not been limited to financial aid; it has also extended to direct assistance for the population, including the activation of the temporary protection mechanism for refugees, while maintaining a long-term commitment to offering Ukraine a European perspective as an official candidate for membership.

Although the EU has supported its Ukrainian partner since the very early stages of the invasion, it is important to remember that the country’s path toward EU accession remains a significant yet complex endeavor.

Within academic circles, debate continues over the methods and timing of the EU’s support for Ukraine. In particular, there are questions about how long the EU institutions can continue to provide support—not so much militarily as politically.

In this regard, one can observe a strong sense of unity and shared purpose among Member States, with the notable exception of occasional dissent from Hungary, which has nonetheless not prevented the adoption of crucial decisions regarding enlargement and defense.

The Challenge of Peace Negotiations

While it is fair to say that the EU has shown consistency and significant commitment in its support for Ukraine, speaking with in this regard, the same cannot be said for the issue of peace negotiations.

In this context, a new type of alliance has emerged, referred to since March 2025 as the “coalition of the willing,” which also includes non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom.

A clear example is the recent visit to Kyiv by four leaders—French President Macron, UK Prime Minister Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Tusk, and German Chancellor Merz—aimed at negotiating an initial 30-day ceasefire.

Beyond symbolic and media-driven gestures, such an arrangement raises questions about the EU’s current difficulty in presenting itself on the international stage as a cohesive front representing the shared ideals of its 27 Member States.

A possible explanation lies in the differing nature of the matters discussed by EU institutions and international diplomacy. On one hand, meetings of the European Council and plenary sessions of the European Parliament focus on issues such as financial support and Ukraine’s accession. On the other, the “coalition of the willing” pursues shorter-term, yet essential, goals to help end a war that has now lasted for over three years.

The proposals promoted by the “willing” include, among others, security guarantees in the event that Russia violates a ceasefire, and the potential deployment of European troops on the ground—an option currently accepted only by France and the United Kingdom.

This scenario may partly explain the reluctance shown by some European countries: while they remain firmly committed to supporting Ukraine, they are less inclined to address the more explicitly military aspects of the conflict. All of this takes place in a Europe that, in recent months, is debating its largest rearmament plan since the Cold War.

Mondo Internazionale- APS - Riproduzione Riservata.