As the war in Ukraine drags on, the costs for Europe are mounting

A downside of the leisurely European summer is the intimidating to-do list that awaits one’s return. With war still raging on the eu’s doorstep, this rentrée feels particularly daunting. Regular meetings of the union’s ministers are about to resume, just days after the six-month anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24th. Ukraine has defended itself against its massive neighbour more effectively than many in Europe thought possible back then. But as winter looms, Europe is starting to feel the war’s side-effects more keenly. Keeping the eu united despite painfully high energy prices will be a challenge.