Ukraine, Russia and the Need for More Flexibility in EU Foreign Policy-Making

Abstract

After the illegal annexation of Crimea and Russia’s indirect responsibility for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine, what will it take before the EU can effectively confront a conflict on its borders and prove to both its own citizens and third countries that it has a meaningful role to play in foreign policy? With numerous competing national interests and some member states unwilling to pay different prices for collective action, any sector-wide EU sanctions are likely to lack serious bite. In an effort to paper over the cracks, Steven Blockmans makes a number of recommendations for policy-makers.

Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, Crimea, EU, Ukraine conflict