EU’s Top Diplomat Borrell Cites Russia as an “Existential Threat” to Europe in Oxford Speech

Mr. Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, gave a thorough overview of the current geopolitical environment, with a special emphasis on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, at a recent speech at Saint Antony’s College, University of Oxford. The address, appropriately titled “Europe is facing two wars,” emphasised the seriousness of the difficulties the EU faces both inside and outside of its Eastern front. Borrell, who plays a pivotal role in shaping the EU’s foreign policy, highlighted the Russian military aggression in Ukraine as an “existential threat” to European stability and security. The assertion is based on the premise that a potential success for Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine could embolden further territorial ambitions, thereby undermining the European order as we know it. The High Representative’s use of the term “existential threat” is particularly significant as it implies a danger that could jeopardize the very existence of something; in this case, Europe’s current political and security architecture. It is a powerful characterization that reflects the heightened concerns within the EU regarding the long-term implications of the conflict in Ukraine.

During his discourse, Mr. Borrell emphasized that the threat posed by Russia is not only military in nature but also encompasses the realms of energy security, political stability, and the norms-based international order. He pointed out that the Russian strategy has been to exploit existing divisions within and between Western countries, thereby weakening the collective response to its actions.

The EU’s top diplomat also indicated that more voices within the international community are sounding the alarm about the broader global repercussions of a Russian victory. This includes potential shifts in international alignments, the undermining of international law, and the encouragement of other states with territorial ambitions.

Mr. Borrell’s speech in Oxford did not only concentrate on the perils but also on the need for a robust and united European response. He remarked on the necessity of solidarity among EU member states and the importance of supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. The EU’s commitment to a rules-based international system and the defense of democratic values was also a salient point in his address.

The address at Oxford comes at a time when the EU is reassessing its strategic autonomy and capacity to act as a coherent and influential global actor. Borrell’s remarks are indicative of the broader strategic recalibration that is underway within the EU as it grapples with the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and its implications for European security and beyond.

While Borrell’s speech at Oxford painted a sobering picture of the challenges facing Europe amidst the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, it also served as a call to action for the European Union to fortify its unity and resilience. The EU’s ability to navigate these tumultuous waters will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for the future of European and international order. 

By Paul Bumman