The EU was united in its condemnation of Russia over last week’s shooting down of a Malaysia Airlines passenger aircraft in eastern Ukraine. But the efforts to fashion a response have swiftly opened up divisions among the bloc’s 28 member states.
The most obvious cause of strife has come over France’s proposed sale to Russia of two large and potent warships. Several EU countries, with Britain prominent among them, have called for the sale to be cancelled. The French have responded by accusing the British of hypocrisy. The argument is that Britain is focusing on France’s arms sales while ignoring its own highly lucrative commercial ties to Russia – in particular the financial dealings of the City of London.
With pressure mounting to act swiftly, commercial interests and jobs at stake and national pride in play, there is a danger that the EU’s effort to respond coherently to Russian actions will get bogged down in acrimony. Avoiding that fate requires a willingness to compromise and some clear thinking.