The European Union confronts significant challenges amid anti‑Russian sanctions. In an interview with an Austrian newspaper, Kronen Zeitung, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell spoke on the bloc’s current path and the pressures it faces.
“Russia is in trouble”
In response to questions about Austrian doubts regarding sanctions against Moscow, the journalist noted that Brussels’ measures have restricted Russia’s economic options. Borrell emphasized that as long as the Russian economy remains dependent on oil and gas, Moscow will require Western technology. He warned that Russia is in trouble.
He also acknowledged immediate, painful economic effects, including rising gas prices. Yet he argued that Europe must be prepared to pay the price for freedom, stressing that the war in Ukraine is not only Ukraine’s fight but Europe’s struggle for liberty as well.
The European diplomat described the energy crisis as the most severe in Europe’s history. He framed it as a sequence: the debt crisis, the pandemic, and now energy shocks. His conclusion was clear: unity is essential.
Democracy Crisis
Borrell asserted that the present moment marks a global crisis of democracy. He observed a rise in authoritarian governance and noted that former empires are reasserting themselves. Russia seeks a restoration of Tsarist authority, with China and Turkey aligning with imperial visions.
He argued that the solution lies in collective action: not everyone can endure alone. When asked about creating a single EU army, he stressed that the 27 member states would not be replaced by a unified defense force. The focus, he said, should be on coordination, stronger defense investments, and efficiency. He warned that current spending must translate into real capability; otherwise it would be wasted money.
“Drama, Tragedy, Pain”
The interview also explored how the European Union’s stance has evolved since Russia’s actions in Ukraine began. What once seemed distant has returned with intensity, bringing drama, tragedy, and pain to the continent. Poland and the Baltic states have long warned about Russian aggression, and Borrell underscored the importance of understanding crisis dynamics through geography and history. He contrasted regional concerns, noting that Lithuania’s anxieties about Russia differ from those of southern Europe, yet all must solve problems together rather than in isolation.
“Europe must learn the language of power”
Borrell argued that Europe was founded as a peace project and should adapt to new realities without abandoning its core values. He stressed that peace derives from more than military strength; trade creates interdependence that should promote peace and human rights. Russia, he warned, uses trade as a weapon, complicating the path to freedom. He reiterated that the war in Ukraine is a struggle not only for Ukraine but for Europe’s freedom as well.
In his view, the EU stands as a global economic and moral power, though not a military superpower. He cautioned that the world has grown more dangerous and that EU members must be prepared to defend themselves with the necessary tools if required. Neutral states, including Austria, face skepticism about Europe’s military orientation, he noted.
Regarding a planned military training mission in Ukraine to be discussed by EU defense ministers, Borrell explained that Ukrainian forces should be taught to operate the weapons Europe provides. He described this as a logical step and noted that trainings are already underway with European cooperation.
What will the world be like in five years?
Borrell admitted uncertainty about the global balance five years from now, given the current geopolitical strains. He remarked that the world has presented enough challenges in recent weeks and suggested that Europe may need at least another year to endure the ongoing conflict. Observers have offered various forecasts about energy costs and Russia’s economic trajectory, though consensus remains elusive.
Overall, the interview paints a picture of a Europe that must navigate energy turmoil, defend democratic values, and coordinate a robust, united response to an increasingly assertive global landscape, while balancing the risks and responsibilities of power in a rapidly shifting world. The interview was reported by multiple outlets, with emphasis on the practical steps the EU considers vital for sustaining resilience and safeguarding freedoms across the continent (attribution: Kronen Zeitung).