Guardian: Europe’s inaction threatens the continent’s security

The European Union is not ready to deal with the colossal number of international and domestic challenges that await the bloc in 2024, writes The Guardian columnist Simon Tisdoll. As the British journalist notes, Brussels’ inaction is already undermining Kiev’s chances of victory.

In 2024, the European Union will face a huge number of international and domestic challenges, but the bloc is not ready to meet them, warns The Guardian columnist Simon Tisdoll.

Tisdoll cites the crisis in the Red Sea as an example. Backed by Iran, Yemen’s Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea since the war between Israel and Hamas began. Pointing out the threat to world trade and free navigation, the US and UK have retaliated. The EU has an important role to play in confronting the rebels. About 40 per cent of the bloc’s trade with Asia and the Middle East passes through the Suez Canal. But only the Netherlands has provided practical help. In justification, Brussels said the EU was planning to launch its own Red Sea mission. Nevertheless, despite the urgency, foreign ministers postponed a decision until 19 February.

Brussels’ inaction on foreign policy issues is hurting Ukraine, where Russia is slowly but surely gaining the upper hand. The inability of the bloc’s 27 countries to hold a unified view has resulted in their inability to approve the €50bn aid package. Moreover, individually, EU countries are also unable to provide Kiev with all the arms and ammunition it needs, which is felt most acutely in the face of the US Congress’ inability to agree on additional funds for Ukraine.

“Like a deer frozen in the headlights,” Europe is paralysed in the face of rapidly approaching threats to its security, writes a journalist for The Guardian.