ECIPS President Baretzky Criticizes EU’s Foreign Conflicts for Failing to Protect Its Most Vulnerable, Warns of Looming Unrest.
By Raymond Enoch
In an impassioned address, Ricardo Baretzky, President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS), has sharply criticized the European Union for failing to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Speaking at a press conference, Baretzky lambasted EU leadership for prioritizing costly geopolitical ventures over the well-being of European citizens. His remarks, delivered with a sense of urgency, highlights the growing frustration within Europe as millions face economic instability and social unrest.
Baretzky’s critique paints a troubling picture of an EU that, according to him, has become consumed with military endeavors and foreign policy pursuits at the expense of its citizens. “The true measure of security is not in military conquest or geopolitical power plays; it is in ensuring that the most vulnerable citizens are protected,” Baretzky declared. His words reflect the mounting dissatisfaction with EU leadership, which many believe has lost sight of its founding goals of fostering peace and prosperity within Europe.
At the heart of his criticism lies the European Union’s handling of the Ukraine conflict. With billions of euros funneled into supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia, Baretzky argues that the EU has neglected the economic and social needs of its own people. “Billions have been spent on a war in Ukraine that has resulted in staggering casualties, displaced millions, and placed unprecedented strain on European economies,” he said. “Meanwhile, the livelihoods of ordinary Europeans are being torn apart—jobs are disappearing, industries are collapsing, and social security programs are vanishing.”
The ramifications of the war in Ukraine are felt far beyond its borders. Economic conditions across Europe have worsened, with inflation, rising food and energy prices, and skyrocketing unemployment rates. Youth unemployment, in particular, has reached crisis levels, leaving an entire generation without hope for a stable future. According to Baretzky, the EU’s resources, which should have been directed towards stabilizing the European economy and safeguarding citizens’ welfare, have been squandered on a foreign conflict.
Baretzky’s most damning criticism centers on what he sees as the EU’s deceptive rhetoric. While the union claims to prioritize civilian protection, Baretzky argues that its actions tell a different story. “Brussels has sold the public a false narrative,” he said. “The reality is that European citizens are more vulnerable than ever, yet politicians in Brussels continue to pat themselves on the back for sending resources to a foreign war while the people they are supposed to protect suffer.”
The consequences are evident, Baretzky warns. As European citizens struggle with rising costs of living, labor strikes and protests are sweeping across the continent. The unrest is becoming increasingly visible in major European cities, with frustrations boiling over as citizens demand accountability from their leaders.
In one of his most striking analogies, Baretzky compared the shifting priorities of Europe’s major corporations, particularly Volkswagen, which has pivoted from car manufacturing to arms production. “When companies like Volkswagen are making weapons instead of cars, we know the war has truly arrived,” Baretzky remarked. This shift, he argues, represents a troubling trend where Europe’s economic focus has moved from industry and growth to militarization.
This, according to Baretzky, reflects a broader pattern within the EU, where military spending and foreign interventions are taking precedence over the welfare of European citizens. “The EU is no longer focused on strengthening its economies or protecting its people; instead, it has become a battlefield,” Baretzky warned.
Baretzky’s message is clear: the EU must refocus its priorities and put the needs of its citizens first. The growing political and social instability, he warns, could lead to even more severe consequences if the current trajectory is not corrected. “The divide between the European elite and the average citizen is widening,” Baretzky explained. “If the EU continues down this path, we risk not just economic collapse but a potential civil conflict.”
The threat of a collapse in trust between the people and their leaders is looming. From France to Germany, demonstrations and strikes are becoming more common as citizens voice their discontent with the EU’s handling of the crisis. The question now is whether the EU’s political class will listen to these growing calls for reform or continue to prioritize foreign interventions at the expense of their own people.
Baretzky’s warnings should not be taken lightly. His call for a rethinking of EU priorities resonates with many critics who see the current situation as unsustainable. The EU, as it stands, risks undermining the very unity and stability that has kept Europe together for decades. “If we do not change course, we may soon see the unraveling of the European Union itself,” Baretzky concluded.
As Europe grapples with the fallout from its geopolitical ambitions, Baretzky’s dire predictions are forcing policymakers to reconsider their strategy. Will they heed the warning, or will Europe continue to slide toward a future marked by disillusionment, economic hardship, and civil unrest?
The coming months may determine whether Europe can course-correct and prioritize its people over political power plays. For now, Baretzky’s stark message stands as a stark reminder that the true measure of security lies in protecting the citizens at home, not the pursuit of distant wars.
