The crisis in Afghanistan may prompt the EU to have a crisis of confidence and self-reflection on its role in the world, but this is not the only crisis.
The same is true in the UK. Twenty years ago, Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush were one of the main participants in the “War on Terrorism” and sent thousands of troops to the Middle East.
Now Blair is a bit like a lost prophet. He described President Biden’s US withdrawal order as “stupid”, but due to the chaos left by Iraq and now Afghanistan, not many people are listening.
Although the EU’s geopolitical role is mainly hindered by competing national interests, the UK has a different problem: it is not clear what role it wants to play in the post-Brexit world.
In terms of trade, the situation is becoming clear; the Johnson administration hopes to reach as many free trade agreements as possible.
In terms of national defense and foreign policy, it is less obvious. Britain hopes to protect its transatlantic alliance with the United States, continue to be a part of NATO, and continue to exert its strength. But what can it do when it cannot find a partner?
There is ample evidence that successive British governments have shut down any EU plans to coordinate foreign policy and defense capabilities. But to have the influence of “Global Britain”, allies are needed.
The Taliban’s takeover in Kabul prompted the House of Commons to be recalled in August for a one-day crisis debate. Most members of Congress are highly critical of the government’s complacency and want to maintain a presence in Afghanistan. However, without the Americans, Britain would not be able to fight alone.
The same is true for immigration that may result from crises. EU countries are divided on how to deal with the potential impact of thousands of people fleeing Afghanistan to Europe.
The Johnson administration did not fully open its arms to Afghan refugees. It promises to accept approximately 5,000 people in the first year and 20,000 people in the next few years, both of which are very gentle.
In fact, for all the thoughtful considerations, domestic considerations in the UK are the first. Britain has few resources to replace Washington’s role as a global policeman. The public has no interest in doing so. Just like in the United States, the public is tired of sending British soldiers to fight in distant countries.
However, the United Kingdom and the European Union are natural partners in foreign and defense policy. The European Union is a collection mainly composed of small and medium-sized countries. There was almost no geopolitical presence in Britain when it acted alone. After Brexit and Afghanistan, it is clear that they both need each other.
Summary
Of the severely criticized free quotas, more than half allow certain EU companies to emit carbon dioxide without paying. Will stay the same According to the climate think tank, according to current plans for tools that aim to replace them.
Five million Germans look at their future chancellor Debating environmental issues On Sunday (August 29), in the appeal of the famous think tank, they emphasized Germany’s legal obligation to reduce emissions by 65% by 2030.
The European Commission said It doesn’t control A report showed that when discussing key figures proposals with EU officials, there were too many business representatives and demanded the number and frequency of meetings with lobbyists.
The main organization of the European Parliament has approved the continuation of the delayed procedure Prosecution of administrative staff Failure to activate the budgetary conditions linking EU funding with the rule of law, because of doubts about the speed and effectiveness of the action.
Instagram users will have to Register their date of birth If they want to continue to use the service of one of Facebook’s flagship products, the social media giant announced on Monday (August 30).
Now, more than 256 million adults in the EU are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 because 70% of the adult population On Tuesday (August 31), the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Lein called it “a great achievement.”
Pay close attention, watch out, watch out…
- An informal meeting of defense ministers is held on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Josep Borrell chaired an informal meeting of defense ministers on Wednesday.
- Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi participated in the 16th Bled Strategic Forum.
Views are author’s
[Edited by Zoran Radosavljevic]
