Why so Soft? The European Union in Ukraine

Abstract

In December 2014, the European Union (EU) launched its civilian mission in Ukraine, EU Advisory Mission (EUAM). Although the mission's main purpose is to mentor and advice Ukrainian officials on civilian Security Sector Reform, this article argues that EUAM's deployment was driven by a broader geopolitical logic, that is, to soft balance Russia. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in March 2014, international perceptions of Moscow's intentions turned increasingly ambivalent. Due to EU member states’ divergent interests vis-à-vis Russia and the union's lack of hard balancing capabilities, the only feasible means available to the EU to deal with the situation in Ukraine were diplomatic and economic pressure, that is, sanctions. However, whereas sanctions are designed to compel Russia to solve her ongoing conflict with Ukraine diplomatically, the EU is also undertaking soft balancing measures that allow it to undermine Russia's interests in Ukraine without confronting her directly. Two attributes make EUAM a soft balancing act: firstly, it improves the resilience of the Ukrainian state against Russian influence and pressure; and secondly, it shows political support to the Ukrainian government and people. There currently is a broad consensus among EU member states for supporting Ukraine in almost every way, short of military assistance. Whether or not this support is sustainable in the long run is an open question.