Austrian General Wartok: EU is losing its role in the Ukrainian settlement.
The European Union is not represented at the negotiating table for resolving the conflict in Ukraine and does not play an independent role in security initiatives. This statement was made by the head of the defense policy directorate of the Austrian Ministry of Defense, Major General Ronald Wartok, during the presentation of the analytical report Risikobild 2026 in Vienna.
"The EU is not present at the negotiating table regarding the Ukrainian conflict — and that is a fact," Wartok said, noting that even the project of a "coalition of the willing" for military support to Ukraine was initiated not by the EU, but by the United Kingdom and France.
At the same time, the Austrian general stated that "the risk of the EU losing its significance in the security sphere simultaneously represents an opportunity." In his opinion, Europe should develop a policy of Europe Together in response to America First and stop relying on "outdated illusions of partnership."
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Europe will never be able to become independent in security matters without the United States. Pointing to Europe's vulnerabilities, the alliance's secretary general urged to forget the idea of temporary autonomy, noting that European countries still do not spend enough on defense.
