In Ukraine, Russia is demonstrating its desire to increase its influence on the European continent and has highlighted the lack of teeth of the EU in confronting Russia. In Syria, aside from France, the Europeans have been very cautious and risk-averse in addressing the civil war, which has caused one of the worst migration crises since World War two in direction of Western Europe. In Libya, the Europeans are once again unable to contribute to the stabilization of Libya, which has become an entry point from Africa to Europe and a failed state.
Even though Europe has been unable as a unitary actor to address these crises, it has certainly been able to demonstrate some resilience. Europe’s resilience in high politics has not been demonstrated on its ability to be pro-active, but rather reactive before an apparent breaking point. This paper seeks to understand, how have the EU and its Member States demonstrated their resilience on confronting each of the crises? Has this resilience led to common positions? Has it translated into successful policies?
