Europe must remain united to play a global role, Kowal says

The European Union (EU) must maintain its unity in the face of global competition and geopolitical challenges, only a united Europe can play a significant role, said UWC Executive Committee member Zenon Kowal in an interview with Tsybulko Talk.

Kowal is also a political adviser to the European Congress of Ukrainians and the Association of Ukrainians in Belgium, as well as former Special Adviser to the Embassy of Ukraine in Belgium (1992-1995).

“Europe truly must remain united. If it fragments, it will split into small pieces — individual countries that will carry no weight on the global stage,” Kowal said.

A united Europe represents a powerful market with enormous economic and financial potential and a population of 500 million, allowing it to be a major global player and one of the biggest economic markets. 

By contrast, Russia, despite its vast territory, accounts for only 2 percent of the world economy, while the EU makes up 25 percent, Kowal said.

Italy’s economic output, for example, dwarfs Russia’s yearly economic weight.

At the same time, the EU understands that Europe cannot be secure without Ukraine, making continued support and cooperation essential.

“But Ukraine must also fulfill its part of the commitments for this alliance to be effective,” Kowal said.

The discussion covered geopolitical challenges facing Europe and Ukraine, internal political and economic issues in the EU, the role of the United States, and the political situation in France.