The War in Ukraine and Its Challenges to European Security, Transatlantic Relations and EU-UK Cooperation

Abstract

Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered the European security order. The EU and the UK have extended unprecedented military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. While the TCA lacks foreign affairs and defence provisions, the UK and EU governments have collaborated closely within NATO and the G7 and have deepened bilateral cooperation and links with EU institutions. The war has underscored America’s role as a security guarantor for Europe, but US engagement after the 2024 elections remain unclear. As Europeans need to step up their engagement for European security, they have started to rethink Europe’s architecture on a continental scale. Enlargement is back on the agenda, the EPC provides a new intergovernmental forum and considering lasting and broader geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, there may be opportunities to further develop the relationship between the UK and the EU with mutual benefit.

Keywords: China, enlargement, EPC, EU-UK cooperation, European security, transatlantic relationship