EU identity in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war: a constructivist analysis of the strategic compass for security and defence

The purpose of this article is to examine the vision of the EU's identity and role in security and defence as outlined in the Strategic Compass (SC), as well as the extent to which Russia's attack on Ukraine is reflected in this document. The study employs content and language analysis, revealing that the EU's identity, as presented in the SC, is shaped by the perceived threat from Russia and confidence in its own strategic capabilities. According to the document, the EU is expected to assume the role of a 'global strategic player'. The findings suggest that Russia's attack on Ukraine initiated a process of redefining the EU's identity. The adoption of the SC by the Council one month later marked a step in this process, signalling potential shifts in the EU's identity, its perception of security and defence policy, and its relations with international partners.