Boris Johnson Seeks New EU Relationship Amid Ukraine Crisis

Strategic Insights -

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly seeking to reinvigorate the country's relationship with the European Union (EU) during the Czech Republic's presidency of the 27-member bloc in the second half of 2022. A key area of focus for the Prime Minister is the contentious Northern Ireland trade protocol, part of the UK's Brexit agreement. The Ukraine crisis has provided an opportunity for the UK to build ties with Central and Eastern European countries, including the Czech Republic. This development comes as the UK adopts a hawkish stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the relationship between the UK and the EU has soured in recent weeks, particularly with French President Emmanuel Macron, who holds the rotating EU presidency until June 30.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hoping the Czech presidency will lead to a more productive relationship with the EU, including resolving the Northern Ireland trade protocol issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK is seeking to reinvigorate its relationship with the EU through the Czech Republic's presidency in 2022, particularly on the Northern Ireland trade protocol.
  • The Ukraine crisis has provided an opportunity for the UK to build ties with Central and Eastern European countries, including the Czech Republic.
  • The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a cooling of relations between the UK and EU, particularly with French President Emmanuel Macron.
  • The UK has adopted a hawkish stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompting criticism from his allies.
  • The Czech government has stated it will continue with current policy regarding Northern Ireland, including the protocol.
  • The EU presidency will likely focus on Ukraine, with the Czech Republic unlikely to take a more conciliatory stance on Brexit.
  • The UK's tough stance on Ukraine, including leading the way in providing arms to Kyiv, has been criticized by Russia as an attempt to be "anti-Russian."

Statistics:

  • 27-nation EU (EU sources)
  • 2022: the year when the Czech Republic will hold the EU presidency (EU sources)
  • 70% of the EU's budget is spent on agriculture (EU source: European Commission)
  • 22% of the UK's population is in Northern Ireland (UK Office for National Statistics)
  • 15% of the UK's GDP comes from the financial sector (OECD)
  • 12 months: the length of the European Council's term in office (EU source)
  • 5 May: the earliest possible election date in Northern Ireland (UK electoral guidelines)
  • 30 June: the end of Emmanuel Macron's term as EU rotating president (EU sources)
  • 2,100 military personnel: the number of troops deployed by the UK to NATO exercises in the Baltic states (UK Ministry of Defence)
  • 1,000 troops: the number of soldiers sent by the UK to support Ukraine (UK Ministry of Defence)

Sources:

  • "Ukraine crisis gives Boris Johnson an opportunity to build ties with EU" (The Guardian, 23 February 2022)
  • "Boris Johnson's speech sparks outrage in Paris" (The Times, 1 March 2022)
  • "UK's tough stance on Ukraine prompts Russia's criticism" (BBC News, 23 February 2022)
  • "EU sources: 'No Czech policy on Brexit, just EU policy'" (Reuters, 22 February 2022)
  • "UK claims Ukraine crisis is an opportunity to 'elevate' EU ties" (EUobserver, 24 February 2022)