Europe’s moment: time to take charge of its future

And this is certainly not a reason to panic. On the contrary, it is a window of opportunity for Europe: to finally find itself, unite, and take responsibility for its own security and future.

Unfortunately, Europe has been slow to wake up. Russia attacked Ukraine 11 years ago, yet until 2022, much continued as if nothing had happened — energy contracts, the construction of Nord Stream, the fear of "provoking escalation" (or perhaps we were simply persuaded of this while business with Putin’s bloody regime continued). After February 24, 2022, Europe mobilized, but it is still not enough. The cold shower from the American administration in recent weeks is a chance to do what has long been necessary: finally build a strong, independent Europe capable of equal relations with the U.S.

Russia has been waging a full-scale war for three years — killing civilians, kidnapping children, committing war crimes — while hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fight for the freedom of all of Europe. These are facts. Our response must be unity and determination.

Europe must focus on its own strength, not on what is happening across the ocean.

We must abandon the illusion that we cannot survive without America. This is, by the way, also a form of psychological warfare from Putin, who wants us to believe it. Europe existed before America, and it has enough resources to become a global player. Let’s focus on the challenges, recognize the threats, and start building a strong Europe — economically, politically, in terms of values, and in security.

What do I think needs to be done?

• A European military and economic union — accelerated Ukrainian accession to the EU and the creation of a defense alliance among interested European states.
• Strengthening Europe’s economy and defense — so that the world respects and consider Europe.
• Strengthening the transatlantic partnership — a strong Europe can be a geopolitical player and an equal partner to the U.S. in maintaining global security.
• Psychological resilience — Putin wants Europe to think it cannot win without America. This is a lie. A united Europe can resist Putin. This also includes protecting our democracies from disinformation and information influence.
• Inevitability of punishment — Putin’s Russia must be held accountable for crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians. Work on establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression and confiscating Russian assets in Europe must continue.
• No fear of Putin — firm resistance, effective sanctions, and so on. In the fight for freedom, there should be no red lines, because our common enemy has none.

Europe needs leaders who will fight for freedom and democracy. It must lead the global struggle of democracy against authoritarianism.

Our unity remains the key condition for transforming Europe into an influential player in ensuring global security.

Now is the time to build a strong, free, democratic, secure, and independent Europe — of which Ukraine is an integral and powerful part.

Source

About the author. Volodymyr Groysman, Ukrainian politician, former Prime Minister of Ukraine.

The editorial team does not always share the views expressed by blog authors.