THE FUTURE OF EUROPE AUTHORITARIANISM AND THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE

BY TOTTI SIVONEN Executive Director European Movement Finland

To build a future for Europe the EU needs to relentlessly combat the rise of authoritarianism both in Europe and globally

The EU is currently facing a number of challenges that are shaping its future. One of the most pressing issues is the ongoing threat of authoritarian regimes, particularly the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine This has raised serious security concerns for the EU and its member states and it has highlighted the need for the EU to take an assertive stance in promoting democracy and human rights in the international arena

Finland, as a member of the EU, is deeply affected by these developments. The country shares a long border with Russia and for long had a policy of neutrality in its foreign relations. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the escalating tensions between Russia and the West have made Finns reevaluate their position once again. Not long after the invasion the Finnish government made a historic decision in applying for NATO-membership. Political alliance with the EU that Finland has had since 1995 will sooner or later be coupled with military alliance with NATO

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a clear violation of international law and a blatant disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a sovereign state It also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat that authoritarian regimes pose to world peace and security Authoritarian regimes, by their very nature, are opposed to democracy and human rights, and they seek to expand their influence and control through aggressive and at times expansionist policies

It is crucial for the EU to resist the influence of authoritarian regimes and to promote democracy, rule of law and human rights in the international arena. The EU must continue its strong stance in support of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and other nations under threat from authoritarian regimes. This can be done through diplomatic and economic measures, such as imposing sanctions and providing financial and other forms of assistance to affected countries

Furthermore, it's important for the EU and its member states to actively promote democracy and human rights in their own foreign policies. Of importance, too, is to foster more democratic and accountable governance within EU member states The backslide of democracy in Hungary under Orban is an unfortunate example of the rule of law issues within the EU, the addressing of which must continue strongly.

Finally, it is crucial for the EU to put in place its own effective mechanisms to deter the aggressive actions of authoritarian regimes This can be done by strengthening the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and by continuing to develop a coordinated stance among member states towards such regimes. The EU should also develop its capability to respond rapidly to crisis situations and increasing its readiness to act in case of a threat to any of its member states

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing threat of authoritarian regimes are among the most pressing challenges facing the EU today While the invasion harms no one more than the Ukrainians, we have seen with the energy crisis that nothing good comes out of authoritarian regimes and their aggressive policies and that these catastrophic decisions by authoritarian leaders have their consequences for entire regions

The EU must stay strong in its support for Ukraine. It gives an example that authoritarian states and their aggressive policies will not be tolerated and that disregarding international law has its consequences By doing so the EU can help build a better tomorrow where authoritarianism will, hopefully, lose weight in the coming years and decades.