DISINFO: The EU turning into an economic appendage of NATO
SUMMARY
The European Union, in the world arena, stubbornly and consciously refuses an independent role, which has been declared by various mouths for a long time, speaking of its strategic autonomy. Now everyone has forgotten about it. In fact, the EU is turning into an economic appendage of NATO.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about an alleged loss of sovereignty of the EU and its member states. Pro-Kremlin outlets often portray European states as vassals, puppet-states or colonies of the US and NATO.
Contrary to the claim, the European Union is a sovereign entity created by the voluntary initiative of European nations and it has its own, independent foreign policy, while the US has no say in its decisions.
EU Member States are sovereign countries and make sovereign decisions about their own internal, economic, foreign and security policies. The European Union is explicit on the subject of national sovereignty: “the Member States all remain sovereign and independent states, they have decided to pool some of their 'sovereignty' in areas where it makes sense to work together.”
The EU is a unique and essential partner for NATO. The two organisations share a majority of members, have common values and face similar threats and challenges. More about EU and NATO relations read here.
NATO and the EU stand united in condemning Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to self-defence.
Read more about the EU response and support for Ukraine. See our guide to deciphering pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's war.