Josep Borrell Fontelles, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, presents his latest book,

"Europe Between Two Wars," offering insights into the EU's foreign policy in 2023.

The year 2023 was marked by two major conflicts in the EU's vicinity. Despite Ukraine's efforts to reclaim half of the territory occupied by Russia in 2022 and reopen the Black Sea, Russian aggression persisted, posing a threat to fundamental principles upheld by the United Nations Charter and the EU's security. In response, the EU intensified its support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of its success in safeguarding regional stability.

Additionally, a terrorist attack on October 7 sparked a new conflict in Gaza, raising concerns about regional escalation. The EU took decisive action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, advocate for the release of hostages, and promote the implementation of a two-state solution as the path to sustainable peace in the region.

Beyond these challenges, various other topics shaped the EU's agenda in 2023, including EU-China relations, coups in the Sahel region, the EU-Latin America summit, European defense initiatives, and the promotion of multilateralism.

"Europe Between Two Wars" compiles a collection of blog posts, op-eds, and speeches by Josep Borrell Fontelles, offering readers a comprehensive overview of the most critical issues in EU foreign and security policy throughout 2023.