Brief/ More Integration, Less Autonomy: The EU in Europe’s New Order by Riccardo Alcaro

In this new JOINT Brief, Riccardo Alcaro (JOINT Project Coordinator and Research Coordinator at IAI) argues that a more cohesive EU might be an unintended consequence the highly antagonistic European order created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But more integration will not automatically bring more autonomy.

In fact, a more integrated EU will be the outcome of Europe’s increased dependence on the US and a function of Europe’s more antagonistic order. This outcome is not a given. Three variables may shape the future differently: a) change in Russia’s foreign policy; b) inability of EU to bring generate resources to sustain antagonism with Russia; c) decreased US commitment to Europe.