The European Union internal security challenges after the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Abstract

The invasion of Ukraine is the most serious challenge that the European Union has faced since its inception and the impact on its security is immense. The first evident consequence of the European Union’s internal security was the refugee crisis, but there have been more challenges. As is customary in crisis situations, the European Union reacted promptly, displaying unity and robustness, as no single Member State has the capacity to face all potential threats alone. Trafficking in human beings, firearms smuggling, organised crime, terrorism, public disorders or hybrid actions are just a few examples of the dangers that the conflict would either bring to or intensify in a space without internal borders, like the European Union, where a threat to one Member State could become a threat to the entire European Union. Not all the threats were felt simultaneously or with equal intensity. In fact, the impact of some was more limited than initially expected, but a worse scenario cannot be ruled out. The European Union should adjust its response and be prepared to counter and neutralise all potential threats to its internal security, which may persist long after the war has ended