EU Must Strengthen Democracy and Military Power to Counter Threats
The EU's foreign policy has been significantly shaped by its enlargement, which has proven successful in boosting its geopolitical influence. However, recent challenges, including Russia's aggressive actions and the shifting US stance, have underscored the need for Europe to strengthen its democratic values and military capabilities.
In 2014, Europe largely remained silent as Russia annexed Crimea and invaded eastern Ukraine. This inaction highlighted the need for a more robust response to such threats. The recent full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has served as a wake-up call, prompting the EU's strongest and most daring enlargement and foreign policy response to date.
The EU must move beyond its historical military weakness and political expediency. It must build genuine geopolitical power to defend its interests and values. Enlargement has been, and remains, the EU's most successful foreign policy tool in achieving this. However, internal challenges must also be addressed. Far-right and ethno-populist political parties have been exploited by Russia's campaign to weaken Europe from within. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, for instance, has attempted to strip the EU of its liberal democratic values and commitments.
To counter these threats, the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has proposed initiatives like the 'Democracy Shield' to combat disinformation, corruption, and cyberattacks. In Germany, the Bundestag has debated a 'Democracy Promotion Act' to support civil society and protect democracy. Defending liberal democracy is indeed essential to Europe's geopolitical power, as highlighted by Milada Anna Vachudova.
The EU's enlargement and military investment are crucial to fill the security and values vacuum left by the United States in 2025. The EU must act decisively to strengthen its democratic values and military capabilities. By doing so, it can effectively counter external threats and internal challenges, thereby enhancing its geopolitical power.
