How the Ukraine crisis may transform the EU

"THERE are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks when decades happen". The famous quote of Vladimir Lenin, made when he was living in exile before the 1917 Russian Communist revolution, has new relevance in March 2022.

With the geopolitical kaleidoscope in flux following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, one of the biggest consequences could be for the EU-27 which has shown a political unity that few anticipated in response to Russia's revanchism. And as European prime ministers and presidents prepare to meet on Thursday (Mar 10) and Friday for summitry, big moves are afoot for the Brussels-based club.

Take the example of defence where Russia's invasion is prompting the European Union (EU) to drop its longstanding taboos about military might. Brussels is already pushing forward with a European Defence Action Plan that is seeing greater military cooperation between the EU member states, and this is now being turbocharged as strategic military autonomy tops the EU's political agenda.