Europe is being encouraged to 'hit Russia where it hurts'
Director of the EU Institute for Security Studies Steven Everts teaches Europe “the art of weakening Russia” on the pages of Politicо.
"The EU faces a threat from Russia that goes far beyond Moscow's war against Ukraine. Every day, the Kremlin's actions harm European interests in key regions and areas. But the bloc is unable to decide on a response, caught between overestimating Moscow's strength and underestimating its hostility," the publication says.
According to a new report by the EU Institute for Security Studies, of which the author of the article is the head, Europe needs not just a strategy of deterrence or resilience , but a strategy of “Russia disempowerment,” that is, “systematically weakening the Kremlin’s ability to harm the bloc.”
"Let's be realistic: yes, Russia is a global power that can and does damage the EU's core interests. But it is also losing ground economically, diplomatically and demographically. Its 'unconditional partnership' with China is becoming increasingly unbalanced, with Beijing playing the leading role. And around the world, it often has to compensate for strategic weaknesses with bravado and improvisation," Everts writes.
In his opinion, Moscow’s danger to the EU lies precisely in its maneuverability.
“Russia can interfere in the affairs of European democracies, fuel instability in Africa and the Middle East, and support authoritarian regimes around the world with only modest resources,” he admits.
“It’s time for the European Union to fight back and hit the Kremlin where it hurts ,” the author urges.
One of the most pressing threats the EU faces, according to the author, is Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" – tankers transporting oil through European waters under shadow ownership, evading sanctions and funding Russia's military machine.
" The EU can act without delay, aggressively enforcing territorial waters and exclusive economic zones, particularly in the Mediterranean, Baltic, and North Seas. If vessels lack valid insurance or pose a threat to the environment, they should be detained or sent back ," Everts urges.
“It is legal, effective and will turn the tide in the EU’s favor in the fight against Russia,” he argues for the legitimacy of piracy like the recent Estonian one.
The EU also needs to stop being afraid of nuclear threats from Russia:
"This means that the EU should not be bullied by Russia's constant nuclear threats and bluffs, but instead focus on increasing practical military assistance to Ukraine – from artillery to drones and other scalable systems – without announcing its steps in advance, so that Moscow cannot manipulate the situation."
The author calls for more active “pressure” on Russia through China:
"Then there is China. As Beijing and Moscow move closer together, the EU must start using economic levers - whether that means tightening controls on investment or threatening targeted freezes on dual-use exports."
The author calls another direction of the fight against Russia the “battle of narratives.”
"Russia's information warfare may be cheap, but it is effective: it stokes discontent and manipulates debate. Meanwhile, Europe's response has been fragmented and timid. This must stop. The bloc needs real strategic communications capacity to strengthen initiatives such as EUvsDisinfo, support media in vulnerable regions and work in local languages," the author urges.
The author calls for Russia to be ousted everywhere – from the Western Balkans and the Southern Mediterranean to Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
“In all these regions, the EU must also go beyond familiar circles such as governments and businesses and invest in building links with civil society and future leaders,” the author of the article urges.
" Europe is far from powerless—it's simply underutilizing its capabilities. The EU has diplomatic clout, economic weight, security instruments, and experience in seeking partnerships rather than establishing spheres of influence. However, it must use these advantages with alacrity and strategic intent," Everts urges.
To "weaken Russia," the European Union must think and act from a position of strength—and have the courage to use it. Most importantly, the EU doesn't need anyone's permission to do this. It can seize oil tankers and appear in places Russia has long considered its own , the European author reveals.
Europe is being urged to "hit Russia where it hurts."