On 15th January 2025, the European Parliament hosted a landmark conference titled “The Price of Weakness,” organised by European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) MEP Reinis Pozņaks.
Against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, the event examined Europe’s response to the war and its broader implications for global security, democracy, and justice.
The conference, held in room SPAAK 7C50, brought together experts in military strategy, politics, economics, human rights, and international policy for two panel discussions.
The first explored lessons from Ukraine’s defence, while the second focused on the societal and human costs of the conflict.
A poignant 20-minute Ukrainian film, Nadija, was also screened to highlight the personal stories behind the headlines.
Opening Remarks: Europe’s Moment of Truth
Reinis Pozņaks emphasised the stakes involved. “While Ukraine pays the ultimate price, Europe must move beyond words to action. The cost of weakness is far greater than the price of strength,” he declared, calling on EU leaders to act decisively in addressing Russian aggression.
Panel 1: Strengthening Europe’s Backbone: Lessons from Ukraine’s Defence
The first panel featured:
- Sean Bell, military analyst and NATO strategist
- Jessica Berlin, political analyst specialising in global security and democracy
- Roman Sheremeta, professor of economics and behavioural economics expert
Sean Bell: Military Strength Without Intent Falls Short
Sean Bell opened the discussion by analysing NATO’s military capabilities and their limitations. He argued that while NATO possesses superior firepower compared to Russia, the lack of political intent undermines its effectiveness.
“Putin exploited our hesitancy. He understood that NATO has the capacity but not the resolve to act decisively. That is why he saber-rattled his nuclear deterrent—to intimidate Western politicians into paralysis,” Bell explained.
He called for a reassessment of NATO’s framework, arguing that hybrid warfare and the rise of authoritarian regimes demand a more robust and unified approach.
Jessica Berlin: A Global Battle for Values
Jessica Berlin focused on the broader implications of Western inaction. She warned that the world is watching how Europe responds to Russia’s aggression, and failure to act decisively could embolden authoritarian regimes worldwide.
“This isn’t just about Ukraine. It’s about the global order. If Europe fails to respond effectively, regimes in China, Iran, and North Korea will see this as a green light to challenge democratic values,” Berlin argued.
She also highlighted the uneven distribution of defence spending across Europe. “It’s no coincidence that countries closer to Russia, like the Baltics, are meeting their NATO commitments, while others lag behind. This disparity weakens our collective security,” she said.
Roman Sheremeta: Reframing Defence as Investment
Roman Sheremeta provided an economic perspective, emphasising the long-term costs of inaction. He cited a report estimating that a Russian victory would cost Western nations significantly more than providing immediate support to Ukraine.
“The American Enterprise Institute calculated that delaying aid to Ukraine could cost the U.S. $800 billion in the future. Similarly, the Kiel Institute in Germany estimated that halting support now would lead to economic losses 10 to 20 times greater than the cost of current aid,” Sheremeta explained.
He proposed confiscating frozen Russian assets, valued at over $300 billion, to fund Ukraine’s reconstruction. “Using Russian assets to rebuild Ukraine would not only be morally right but economically prudent. It’s time to turn talk into action,” he said.
Panel 2: Broken Lives: The Human Cost of Social Injustice in War
The second panel included:
- Deniz M. Dirisu, OSINT expert and co-founder of OSINT Ukraine
- Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Center for Civil Liberties in Kyiv
- Andreas Kleiser, Director for Policy and Cooperation at the International Commission on Missing Persons
- Reinis Pozņaks, ECR MEP and conference organiser
Deniz M. Dirisu: OSINT as a Tool for Justice
Deniz M. Dirisu highlighted the critical role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in documenting war crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. He noted that OSINT is especially valuable in areas where traditional investigative methods are not feasible.
“The ongoing conflict restricts access to many occupied regions, but OSINT enables us to gather evidence and uncover the truth. However, we must integrate this evidence into legal frameworks to ensure justice,” Dirisu said.
He also called for unity among European nations to target the middle management perpetrators of war crimes.
“Justice isn’t just about the top-level decision-makers. We need to prosecute those who implement policies on the ground. They are the bridge between intent and action,” he concluded.
Oleksandra Matviichuk: Preserving Ukrainian Identity
Oleksandra Matviichuk provided a sobering account of the atrocities committed by Russian forces. She revealed that her organisation had documented over 80,000 war crimes, including forced deportations and the systematic destruction of Ukrainian culture.
“This is not just a war for territory; it’s a war for the survival of Ukrainian identity. Russia is attempting to erase our language, culture, and history,” she said.
Matviichuk also emphasised the importance of justice for victims. “Justice is not only about punishing perpetrators. For many, it’s about truth, recognition, and ensuring these crimes are never repeated,” she explained.
Andreas Kleiser: Missing Persons and Accountability
Andreas Kleiser focused on the challenges of accounting for missing persons during the war. He detailed the work of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), which collaborates with Ukrainian authorities to document disappearances and reunite families.
“We must ensure that families not only learn the fate of their loved ones but also receive the justice they deserve. Accountability is essential for long-term reconciliation,” Kleiser said.
He emphasised the importance of genetic databases and international cooperation in supporting investigations into war crimes and human rights abuses.
Reinis Pozņaks: The Power of Collective Action
Reinis Pozņaks closed the panel by stressing the importance of public involvement in supporting Ukraine. He praised grassroots initiatives that have mobilised resources and awareness across Europe.
“Ukraine’s resilience stems not just from its military but from its people. This war has shown us that ordinary citizens have the power to make a difference. Europe must channel this spirit into collective action,” Pozņaks said.
Key Recommendations and Takeaways
- Bolster Defence Capabilities: Europe must increase defence spending and modernise its strategies to confront hybrid threats effectively.
- Integrate OSINT: Open-source intelligence should be leveraged to document war crimes and ensure accountability.
- Address Missing Persons: International cooperation and genetic databases are vital to account for missing persons and support their families.
- Confiscate Russian Assets: Redirecting frozen Russian assets to Ukraine’s reconstruction was proposed as a practical and moral necessity.
- Preserve Ukrainian Identity: International efforts must focus on protecting Ukraine’s culture, language, and sovereignty.
- Strengthen Unity: Europe must act cohesively, with public engagement playing a vital role in driving political action.
Closing Remarks: A Call for Leadership
Reinis Pozņaks concluded the conference by urging Europe to rise to the challenge. “This is not just Ukraine’s fight. It is a battle for the values we hold dear. The cost of inaction will be felt for generations. Europe must act decisively, and it must act now,” he said.
The conference highlighted the urgency of collective action, sending a clear message: the cost of weakness is too high. Europe’s response will not only determine Ukraine’s future but also shape the global order for years to come.
Read also:
Do Not Appease Evil: Ukrainian Public Figures Appeal to World Leaders
