To Defend Europe, We Need the EU, Argues Amalie Lyhne
Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The author argues that Europe needs the EU to defend itself, especially with Ukraine's military strength after four years of war.
- The piece criticizes the EU as a bureaucratic monster that has ignored citizens' concerns and lacks democratic legitimacy.
- It suggests that Ukraine should be welcomed into the EU soon to bolster European defense capabilities.
Europe requires a stronger, more cohesive European Union to effectively defend itself, particularly in light of Ukraine's significantly enhanced military capabilities after four years of conflict. This is the central argument presented in a debate piece by Amalie Lyhne.
Lyhne contends that innovation and economic strength are now inextricably linked to military power. Therefore, she advocates for an EU that not only welcomes Ukraine but also strengthens its own internal structures to meet contemporary security challenges. The author believes Ukraine's military prowess has reached a level that Europe can no longer afford to overlook or do without.
After four years of war, Ukraine's military has become so strong that Europe simply cannot do without it.
However, the author also voices strong criticism of the EU's current state. Lyhne describes the Union as a "bureaucratic monster" that has long neglected the concerns of its citizens and suffers from a deficit in democratic legitimacy. This critique suggests a need for internal reform alongside external expansion and defense strengthening.
The piece, presented as a debate entry, reflects the author's personal viewpoint. It calls for a strategic re-evaluation of the EU's role in European security, emphasizing the interconnectedness of defense, economy, and political integration.
The EU is a bureaucratic monster.
Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.