Caught up by Geopolitics: Sanctions and the EU’s Response to Russia’s War Against Ukraine

Abstract

Russia’s war against Ukraine unfolded unprecedented geopolitical, economic and energy-related tension in the European Union (EU). Amidst this situation, decision-makers and scholars alike have returned to concepts of geopolitics to reflect the EU’s external affairs and its position in the international (trade) system. Indeed, geopolitical considerations help us to understand the sanctions imposed by the EU against Russia. The restrictive measures against Russia and the Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine are, to date, the most comprehensive measures adopted autonomously by the EU. They reflect the EU’s geopolitical considerations in carving out a strong response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and the unparalleled political and security threat in Europe.