DISINFO: The European Union is transforming from an integration project into appendage of NATO
SUMMARY
Moscow is worried that a united Europe is spinning Russophobia, restarting the military-industrial complex and calling for a fight against Russia.
The European Union has rapidly transformed from an integration association into a military-political bloc, a kind of NATO appendage. This is a dangerous trend that could have the most far-reaching consequences for all Europeans.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Russophobia and an alleged loss of sovereignty of the EU, accusing the EU of being subordinate to NATO and serving NATO’s interests.
Pro-Kremlin outlets often portray European states as vassals, puppet states or colonies of the US or NATO.
The claim that the EU is becoming a 'military-political bloc' and a 'NATO appendage' misrepresents the nature of EU-NATO cooperation, which is focused on defence and security cooperation rather than aggressive military expansion.
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.