

Lawfare Archive: How Ukraine is Changing European Security
Mar 1, 2025
Célia Belin, a Brookings fellow and former French foreign affairs official, and Constanze Stelzenmüller, a German security policy expert, dive into the seismic shifts in European security sparked by Russia's aggression in Ukraine. They discuss Germany's break from its historical pacifism, including increased defense spending and energy policy changes. The conversation also covers the EU and NATO's evolving strategies, the implications for European identity, and how Ukraine's crisis is reshaping regional alliances and future defense approaches.
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Europe's Shock
- The Ukraine war shocked Europeans, even those aware of rising tensions.
- It highlighted the return of tragic history and the potential for large-scale conflict in Europe.
Obsolete EU Policy
- The EU's previous five-pillar policy towards Russia is now obsolete due to the invasion.
- The focus has shifted to supporting Ukraine, sanctioning Russia, and building European resilience.
German Policy Shift
- Germany's reaction to the war includes increased defense spending, suspending Nord Stream 2, and sending lethal aid to Ukraine.
- This marks a significant shift in German foreign policy, driven by public support for bearing the costs of these actions.