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The Impact of the Ukrainian Conflict on European Foreign Policy

The impact of the Ukrainian conflict has significantly influenced European foreign policy. Since the start of the war in 2014 and its dramatic escalation in 2022, European countries have adapted quickly to changing geopolitical conditions. One of the most obvious impacts has been a change in Europe’s collective security approach, demonstrated by increases in military budgets in many countries. First, NATO, as the main Euro-Atlantic defense alliance, has strengthened its position in the Eastern European region. The Baltic states, Polonia, and Romania, for example, have received additional allied troops to increase deterrence against potential Russian aggression. In this context, the foreign policy of many European countries focuses on strengthening military cooperation and collective defense strategies. Second, the Ukraine conflict also forces European countries to be more united in facing security challenges. Despite political and policy differences between EU members, the crisis prompted consolidation in the response to Russia. The economic sanctions applied against Moscow are a clear example of solid cooperation, where EU member states agreed to limit Russia’s access to the European market. Furthermore, Europe’s energy dependence on Russia has taken center stage. In response, many European countries have begun to diversify their energy sources. The European Green Deal initiative is being accelerated to reduce dependence on fossil energy and encourage the use of renewable energy. European foreign policy is now increasingly focused on the search for alternative energy sources, including investment in renewable energy and cooperation with energy producing countries outside Russia. Apart from that, this conflict also influences migration policy in Europe. Many European countries opened their doors to Ukrainian refugees, creating a broad humanitarian response. This influences European foreign policy which generally pays attention to humanitarian aspects and human rights in crisis situations. The high level of refugee acceptance has become a symbol of European solidarity with Ukraine. Not only that, the war in Ukraine also triggered changes in Europe’s relations with Asian countries. Countries such as Japan and South Korea are increasingly involved in strategic cooperation in response to rising global tensions sparked by Russian aggression. This shows that European foreign policy is not only focused in the regional context, but also broadens its views outward. Changes in European foreign policy after the Ukraine conflict show the importance of multilateral cooperation and a collective approach in dealing with global aggression. Diplomacy, militant response and attention to humanitarian issues have become the main pillars that shape the direction of European foreign policy in this era of conflict. In the future, this adaptation will continue in line with changing global dynamics.