“Ukraine Is Fighting for All of Us”: Matjaž Nemec on War, Responsibility and Europe’s Next Steps

Three years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the question dominating European politics is no longer whether to support Kyiv, but how far that support must go. In the SolidrockTV format EU Insights, Slovenian MEP Matjaž Nemec offers a clear answer: Europe must remain unwavering—politically, economically, and militarily.

A war that defines Europe

From the outset, Nemec frames the war not as a distant geopolitical conflict, but as a defining moment for Europe itself. Ukraine, he argues, is not only defending its own sovereignty but also the foundational principles upon which the European order rests.

The implication is stark: if aggression were to succeed, the consequences would reach far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

No space for fatigue

A central concern raised in the interview is the growing risk of “war fatigue” within European societies. As the conflict drags on, political attention shifts and public support may waver.

Nemec firmly rejects this tendency. Fatigue, he suggests, is a luxury Europe cannot afford. Sustained commitment—financial aid, military assistance, and political backing—is not optional but necessary.

To reduce support now would not lead to peace, but rather to instability and embolden further aggression.

Peace—at what cost?

While calls for negotiations have grown louder in parts of the international community, Nemec approaches the issue with caution. Peace, he emphasizes, must not come at the price of injustice.

Any settlement that rewards territorial aggression or undermines Ukrainian sovereignty would set a dangerous precedent. In his view, a durable peace can only be built on clear principles, not on expedient compromises.

Europe’s responsibility

Throughout the discussion, Nemec repeatedly returns to the theme of responsibility. Europe, he argues, must act not only as a supporter but as a strategic actor.

This includes strengthening unity among member states, ensuring long-term support mechanisms, and maintaining a coherent foreign policy stance.

Fragmentation or hesitation, he warns, would weaken Europe’s position and credibility.

Beyond Ukraine: a geopolitical test

The war is also presented as a broader geopolitical test. Relations with global powers, the resilience of democratic systems, and the future of European security architecture are all at stake.

For Nemec, the outcome in Ukraine will shape the international order for years to come. Europe must therefore think beyond short-term crisis management and develop a long-term strategic vision.

A call for unity and clarity

Despite the gravity of the situation, Nemec’s message is not one of pessimism, but of resolve. Europe has the capacity to act decisively—if it chooses to do so collectively.

His conclusion is unambiguous: supporting Ukraine is not merely an act of solidarity; it is an investment in Europe’s own future.