EU-NATO Relations in the Shadow of the Russia-Ukraine War
Deniz Bal (Asst. Expert at İKV) evaluated EU-NATO relations in the shadow of the Russia-Ukraine War. The key points of the assessment are as follows:
- The global order is rapidly changing amid conflicts and crises. After a long period of peace in Europe, Russia’s attack on Ukraine disrupted the established order. Both the EU and NATO need to take an active role in restoring peace and ending the war.
- Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has been a key actor in ensuring Europe’s security. Europe’s reliance on NATO for defense and security remains evident. Rising crises further underscore the importance of strategic cooperation between the two institutions.
- NATO, as a military and defense-focused organization, follows a different approach from the EU; however, at times, they complement each other’s roles. After the Cold War, NATO took on the task of ensuring not only military strength and defense but also peace and stability. Yet, changing global dynamics may lead NATO to revert to some of its original focus areas.
- The EU’s common defense policy began with the 1948 Brussels Treaty and accelerated with post-Cold War crises. Institutionalized through initiatives such as the Lisbon Treaty, PESCO, the European Defence Fund, and the Strategic Compass, this policy aims to make the EU an independent and effective security actor.
- Following Russia’s attack on Ukraine in February 2022, security balances in Europe shifted, and the EU and NATO emerged as central actors. While NATO provided extensive military support to Ukraine without directly entering the conflict, the EU shaped the process through sanctions, financial aid, and granting Ukraine candidate status.
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 22, 2022, significantly altered the international order. From the outset, EU and NATO member states adopted a united stance in supporting Ukraine, yet NATO did not directly participate in the war. The reasons include Ukraine’s non-membership in NATO, NATO’s traditional focus on defense, and the U.S.’s “America First” policy.
- The EU has actively intervened by providing financial and military aid to Ukraine, diversifying energy sources, imposing sanctions, and offering candidate status. However, the EU has faced criticism for not sufficiently addressing Russia’s concerns and overlooking the rights of the Russian minority in Ukraine.
- Throughout the war, NATO has provided extensive military support to Ukraine, most of which has come from member states, and has implemented long-term plans to prepare Ukraine for potential NATO membership. EU and NATO decisions have generally been complementary: the EU provides economic, humanitarian, and political support, while NATO undertakes defense and deterrence roles.
- Ukraine seeks both EU and NATO membership, but these memberships do not seem feasible while the war continues. The EU views membership as a long-term security guarantee and prepares for security responsibilities beyond NATO. Public opinion regards Ukraine’s membership as a guarantee of its sovereignty and potentially part of future peace agreements.
- Turkey holds a strategic position for both institutions as a NATO member and EU candidate. Especially after the Russia-Ukraine war, Turkey stands out with its mediatory role and defense capabilities.
The full text of the analysis can be accessed at: