EU Common Security and Defence Policy and Ukraine

The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 became an existential challenge for European security. It exposed critical vulnerabilities in the EU’s defence mechanisms and underscored the urgency of coordinated military support. The European Peace Facility (EPF), created in 2021, has since become a cornerstone of the EU’s security response, enabling the EU Member States to provide critical assistance to Ukraine. Unlike traditional EU instruments, the EPF operates outside the EU budget, circumventing legal restrictions on military spending and allowing for direct support to partner countries. This publication examines the EPF’s role in strengthening Ukraine’s defence, evaluates its broader impact on European security policy, and discusses challenges and future directions. A New Role for the EU in Defence The EPF represents a significant evolution in the EU’s approach to defence, transitioning from a focus on economic aid and diplomacy to active military assistance. Since...