The US-EU breakup—what does it mean for Ukraine, and for peace?
Mar 7, 2025
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Mikko Patokallio, a Ukraine specialist at the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, and Elisa Braun, author of the EU Influence newsletter, dive into the fallout from the US-EU breakup affecting Ukraine. They discuss the complexities of achieving peace in Ukraine, focusing on trust-building and the challenges of negotiations with Russia. The conversation also touches upon the contentious debate surrounding EU funding for NGOs, revealing the rising political tensions and their implications for civil society and transparency in Europe.
The United States' suspension of military aid has prompted EU leaders to urgently reevaluate their defense strategies and support for Ukraine.
Achieving lasting peace in Ukraine requires addressing historical grievances and involving multiple stakeholders in a nuanced diplomatic process.
Deep dives
The Role of Technology in Everyday Life
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra exemplifies how technology can enhance daily living by integrating AI to simplify tasks. Users can efficiently find services like keto-friendly restaurants and communicate with others without manual effort. Such advancements allow individuals to focus on personal activities, like exercising, while technology takes care of mundane tasks. This reflects a growing trend of reliance on technology to manage personal lives and improve efficiency.
Europe's Response to Geopolitical Shifts
The recent decision by the United States to halt military aid to Ukraine has forced European leaders to reevaluate their role in supporting Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of a unified European defense strategy to ensure safety and stability in the region. At an emergency summit in Brussels, leaders reached a general consensus on boosting defense spending but faced internal divisions regarding specific support for Ukraine. This highlights the complexities within the EU as it grapples with both external threats and internal political dynamics.
Negotiating Peace Amidst Conflict
Achieving a lasting peace involves navigating complex dynamics influenced by historical grievances and evolving political landscapes. Experts suggest that wars end either through decisive victory or negotiation, but the pathways to peace must address the underlying causes of conflict. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, discussions revolve around the distinction between mere cessation of violence and establishment of a sustainable peace. This requires involvement from various parties and an understanding that peace processes often take significant time and careful diplomatic efforts.
Challenges of Civil Society Funding in the EU
The tension surrounding EU funding for NGOs reflects broader ideological battles within the European Parliament. Conservative MEPs have raised concerns about taxpayer money being used to support organizations perceived as lobbying for specific political agendas, particularly related to the Green Deal. This scrutiny raises questions about transparency and the motivations behind civil society funding in Europe. At the same time, it reveals the potential risks of restricting NGO operations under the guise of accountability, highlighting the delicate balance needed to support civil society while ensuring responsible use of public funds.
This week’s episode of EU Confidential comes to you from Thursday’s emergency meeting of EU leaders — the political equivalent of sobbing into your pillow on a sleepless night. The reason for those tears: America and Europe just broke up.
POLITICO’s Clea Caulcutt gives us a quick update on European Council talks on how to bolster defense spending and further support Ukraine. We then step back for a more nuanced discussion: What does “peace” even mean, really, and how might Ukraine and Russia actually achieve it? Host Sarah Wheaton sat down with Mikko Patokallio, a Ukraine specialist at the Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, which helps mediate global conflicts.
Finally, Elisa Braun, author of the EU Influence newsletter, walks us through the growing ideological faultline over public funding for NGOs.