Javier Solana’s perspective on Europe, NATO, and the Ukraine crisis
Javier Solana remains a respected voice in international politics. After serving in several capacities under the governments of Felipe González, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1992 and later played a pivotal role in European security. He helped shape the European Union’s early moves toward common foreign policy and defense, while also engaging with NATO during a period of rapid change for the Atlantic Alliance. In a recent discussion with El Periòdic magazine journalist Marc Marginedas at the Cornellà Creació Forum on international relations, Solana addressed how the war in Russia and Ukraine affects the global balance of power and the dynamics among the great powers.
Q: The Bucharest summit in 2008 opened EU doors for enlargement via NATO. What key factors helped lead to the current crisis in Ukraine and Georgia?
A: The situation requires looking back well before Bucharest. To understand Ukraine, one must start in 1991, when the USSR collapsed and Ukraine, a former nuclear power, inherited much of the nuclear arsenal. In 1994, Ukraine agreed to denuclearize in exchange for guarantees of independence and borders from the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China. In recent years, one signatory attacked Ukraine, while others remained silent. The Bucharest declaration was a dramatic moment for Russia, and since then a broader confrontation with the West has intensified.
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Q: How would Solana evaluate Russia’s role in the war?
A: Russia bears responsibility. What began as a four or five day operation aimed at seizing Kyiv, removing the president, and installing a loyal successor to Putin, has fallen short. The Russian military showed capabilities beyond expectations, and the war continues as the international community watches closely.
Q: Under his leadership, NATO intervened in Yugoslavia for the first time in a major way. Should it take action in Ukraine now?
A: The Balkans and Ukraine are distinct cases. Putin’s actions are unacceptable, but NATO is not a participant in the current conflict and has not engaged directly, to avoid a dangerous escalation that could lead to a broader war with nuclear consequences.
Q: You have interacted with Putin. How far do you think the war will go?
A: It is difficult to predict. Russia has become more closed and relies heavily on gas and oil, sometimes described as a gas station with nuclear weapons. Every effort is being made to push for a ceasefire and to negotiate a lasting settlement, preferably with Russian troop withdrawal and a firm framework to address the dispute.
Q: Do you sense that Putin is willing to pursue negotiations?
A: He initially pursued a military resolution, but progress has been limited. The door to dialogue remains, though military realities have complicated any immediate settlement.
Q: What role does China play in this equation?
A: China expresses dissatisfaction with recent events yet remains cautious about its own priorities. Xi Jinping’s upcoming leadership decisions add a layer of restraint. Beijing seeks stability and a careful approach, even as Shanghai faces disruptions related to health measures. The world’s largest port has endured closures tied to the pandemic, underscoring how interconnected global affairs have become.
Q: Should the European Union develop its own military capacity or army?
A: The EU must be able to act militarily when needed. It does not require a traditional army with a formal parade, but it needs real capabilities to protect peace and respond to crises. The EU was founded on the premise of preventing war, yet there are moments when defense is essential. Strengthening capabilities should also prompt a rethinking of NATO’s role, recognizing that some crises demand a broader, EU-led response. The EU could contribute to global peace efforts, including missions in regions like the Sahel in Africa.
Q: Is the world heading toward a new Cold War logic?
A: The trajectory remains uncertain. There are reasons for concern. After years of steady growth following the 2008 financial crisis, the world is facing fresh tensions and the post-pandemic recovery has been uneven. Energy prices, climate change challenges, and the need for robust, widely shared institutions all demand renewed cooperation. The goal is to address global problems that no single country can solve alone, with inclusive participation and strengthened international frameworks.