Ukraine's growth in its own military capability a sign it can prevail - Bruegel thinktank

A new commission, a new European parliament, and a new U.S. administration. What does this all mean for the future of Europe amid a host of global geopolitical challenges? Euronews' Shona Murray spoke to Jacob Kirkegaard, Senior Fellow at the Bruegel thinktank for the Europe Conversation.

Shona Murray: "I want to start with the Middle East, because obviously this week we had the anniversary of the 7th of October Hamas attack. With that, we've seen horrendous conditions in Gaza as a result of the Israeli response and also widened regional spread of war. What implications does this have for Europe?

Jacob Kirkegaard: "Well, I think the short answer is that in economic terms, unfortunately, the implications for Europe really resides on the risk of escalation. AKA That Israel may or may not choose to strike the Iranian oil sector. Iran may then retaliate and oil may rise significantly in price. That's really the economic risk. Politically for the EU, I think where we have seen over the last number of many months, in fact, that obviously this is a conflict that retains this ability to mobilise significant segments of European populations. It varies from country to country. But what what you lack basically for the EU is of course, unity." 

Shona Murray: "And one of the sort of charges levelled against the EU in relation to this is double standards, that there isn't the same support or empathy for the Palestinians as there is for Ukrainians, and that has impacted the EU's, I suppose, reputation within the Global South, something that Brussels has been trying to garner support for when it comes to the war in Ukraine. How do you see this playing out?" 

Jacob Kirkegaard: "Well, I think this is true. I mean, I think it's important for