La Unión Europea puesta a prueba

The European Union Put to the Test

Abstract

The before and aftermath of the start of the war in Ukraine shows the changes in citizens' views on security and defence. It is not the same in all EU countries. It remains to be seen whether the perception of risk and how to deal with it remains the same as the war and its collateral consequences drag on. There is a strategic cacophony in EU governments similar to that of citizens' unequal acceptance of the costs of ensuring collective security. An unequal perception and response as unequal is the EU's reality. The EU's Europes make it difficult to comfortably realise creative efforts commensurate with the dangers that threaten it. Efforts in both soft and hard power. Strategic leaders in the EU, beyond the rhetoric, must recognise the threats, take political decisions and make sustained efforts to reduce them. Ordinary citizens provide sufficient numbers and support in this direction for the time being. Let not so much effort by the Ukrainian people go to waste in the EU.