Comparison of the EU immediate response to the conflict in Ukraine in 2014 and 2022

Bc. Darina Gribanova

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis compares the European Union's (EU) immediate response to the con-flict in Ukraine in 2014 and 2022 using direct content analysis as a method for data analysis and surveys and interview for data collecting. The study examines the EU's re-sponse to both crises, including its so-called comprehensive approach and integrated approach, also such factors as preparedness and early warning systems, and the role of the EU as a power and actor in the international relations will be analysed. The study also explores the dimension of immediate resource mobilization in the EU's crisis man-agement response to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis of 2022. The research draws on a range of sources, including reports from the European Council, European External Action Service (EEAS), and European Parliament, as well as questionnaires/surveys and interviews with EEAS and European Commission officials. The study uses a comparative approach to analyze the EU's response to the crises, ex-amining similarities and differences in its response over time. The findings of the study indicate that the EU's response to the conflict in Ukraine was shaped by a range of factors, including the ways the EU´s comprehensive approach, integrated approach, preparedness and early warning systems were used, and how the EU performed its role as a global power and international actor. The study also reveals that the EU's immediate resource mobilization was multifaceted, involving a combination of emergency assistance, financial support, military deployment, and sanctions. Overall, this thesis provides valuable insights into the EU's crisis management response to the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive ap-proach, integrated approach, preparedness and early warning systems, and the dimen-sion of immediate resource mobilization. The research also strives to contribute to a better understanding of the EU's role as a global power and its response to crises.

Abstract:

This thesis compares the European Union's (EU) immediate response to the con-flict in Ukraine in 2014 and 2022 using direct content analysis as a method for data analysis and surveys and interview for data collecting. The study examines the EU's re-sponse to both crises, including its so-called comprehensive approach and integrated approach, also such factors as preparedness and early warning systems, and the role of the EU as a power and actor in the international relations will be analysed. The study also explores the dimension of immediate resource mobilization in the EU's crisis man-agement response to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis of 2022. The research draws on a range of sources, including reports from the European Council, European External Action Service (EEAS), and European Parliament, as well as questionnaires/surveys and interviews with EEAS and European Commission officials. The study uses a comparative approach to analyze the EU's response to the crises, ex-amining similarities and differences in its response over time. The findings of the study indicate that the EU's response to the conflict in Ukraine was shaped by a range of factors, including the ways the EU´s comprehensive approach, integrated approach, preparedness and early warning systems were used, and how the EU performed its role as a global power and international actor. The study also reveals that the EU's immediate resource mobilization was multifaceted, involving a combination of emergency assistance, financial support, military deployment, and sanctions. Overall, this thesis provides valuable insights into the EU's crisis management response to the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive ap-proach, integrated approach, preparedness and early warning systems, and the dimen-sion of immediate resource mobilization. The research also strives to contribute to a better understanding of the EU's role as a global power and its response to crises.

Keywords

International relations, Russia, Ukraine 2014, Ukrainian Crisis 2022, Crisis Management, soft power, military power, comprehensive approach, immediate reaction, early-warning sytstem, invasion

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 5. 6. 2023
• Supervisor: Mgr. Petra Kuchyňková, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. et Mgr. Denis Janšta

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
International Relations and European Politics / International Relations and European Politics