As a political and economic union, the EU has always been committed to maintaining peace and stability in Europe and promoting European integration and development. However, recently, the remarks of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have caused a huge shock within the EU, exposing the EU's deep divisions on the Ukraine issue, and also causing concerns about the future of the EU.
Von der Leyen said in an interview with Germany** that the EU is studying the response to opposition from other member states in order to find a viable solution to support Ukraine's accession to the EU and provide more aid. She also said that the EU will continue to impose sanctions on Russia until Russia respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
The remarks were seen as a departure from the EU's commitments and a breach of the EU's internal coherence. At the beginning of the EU's existence, it promised to be consistent in major decisions, but von der Leyen's statement ignored the opposition of some member states, trying to circumvent the opposition of some member states through "potential alternatives" and promote Ukraine's smooth accession to the EU. The act raises questions about the EU's principle of a fair vote and highlights the EU's internal divisions over Ukraine.
Growing divisions within the EU: von der Leyen's comments sparked criticism
Von der Leyen's statement drew sharp criticism from social media and the public. Kim Dotcombe, a well-known entrepreneur, criticized that the European Union is gradually going to ruin because of the Ukraine issue. He pointed out that the EU's position on the Ukraine issue is constrained by the strategic influence of the United States, rather than a reflection of the true will of the European people. He also warned that the EU could be at risk of internal fragmentation, as some member states could choose to leave the bloc to protect their interests.
EU voting turmoil: Ukraine's application is opposed.
The European Union recently voted on Ukraine's accession to the European Union, which requires the unanimous consent of the other 27 member states. However, Hungarian leader Viktor Orban strongly opposed Ukraine's accession, even saying that "we will not agree to this decision with other countries." Orban's opposition was largely based on Hungarian dissatisfaction with Ukraine's ethnic policy, arguing that Ukraine deprived the Hungarian minority of its rights. The vote sparked discontent and controversy within the EU, and also showed how difficult it is for the EU to expand.
Strategic Conflict of Interest between Europe and the United States: The EU Becomes a Political Tool of the United States?
The EU's support for Ukraine has been blamed for being held hostage by US strategic influence. The commentary points out that the EU's decision-making is largely a result of US pressure, rather than a reflection of the true will of the European people. The EU has essentially become a political bloc under the strategic influence of the United States, which may lead to more conflicts between the strategic interests of Europe and the United States.
The United States has always regarded Ukraine as an "anti-Russian person" and has provided military and economic assistance to Ukraine in order to contain Russia's influence. The United States is also trying to co-opt the European Union to impose sanctions on Russia in order to achieve its strategic goals. However, this practice has harmed the interests of the EU, which has close economic and trade ties with Russia and needs to maintain good relations with Russia in order to maintain peace and stability in Europe. The EU's position on the Ukraine issue has also triggered tensions between Europe and the United States, and may even lead to the EU's ** with the United States.
European security challenges: Ukrainian refugees are a concern
Currently, about 5.9 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to Europe, and Europe's post-pandemic economic weakness has made it more difficult for countries to cope with the refugee crisis, resulting in threats to social security. Opinion polls show that support for accepting refugees in Europe is declining, and the Ukraine issue could become a trigger for internal problems in Europe.
The influx of Ukrainian refugees has put tremendous pressure on social security in Europe. Some refugees may be involved in criminal activities or become potential targets. Some refugees can also trigger nationalism and xenophobia in Europe, leading to social instability and violence. The differences between European countries in dealing with the refugee issue have also exacerbated the internal contradictions of the EU and weakened the EU's cohesion.
U.S. support for Ukraine leads to the EU**: Ukraine could become the end of the EU?
The Ukraine issue has become a ticking time bomb within the EU, which could lead to the breakup of the bloc. The EU's position on the Ukraine issue is not only contrary to the interests of some member states, but also conflicts with the strategic interests of the United States, leading to a dilemma for the EU. If the EU continues to support Ukraine, it may lose the trust and support of some member states, and even trigger the disintegration of the EU. If the EU abandons its support for Ukraine, it may face US sanctions and retaliation, which will also damage the EU's reputation and influence.