The Russian large-scale invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022, has led to profound changes in the entire international system. On the European continent, the war has brought about significant changes in the foreign and security policy of the major national and organizational actors, including the European Union. Its geopolitical dimension, already a topic of discussion among decision makers and theorists, has acquired a new sense of urgency, duly reflected in the European integration literature. It complements the well-established normative vocation of the European Union, contributing to the emergence of a new approach toward its Eastern neighbourhood. The new, enhanced profile of the European Union in the region has resulted from a political process in which the Commission and the Common Foreign and Security Policy establishment have acted as the main policy initiators, but over which the member states retained a significant degree of control. The unanimity rule that governs decision-making in foreign policy, enlargement and other important domains has confronted the European Union with delays and deadlocks in its efforts to shape its Eastern neighbourhood and, in particular, to uphold its values by providing assistance to Ukraine. This contribution explores the European Union’s attempts to enhance its regional profile by dwelling on five important policy developments: enlargement, macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, the use of the European Peace Fund to facilitate military assistance to the Kyiv government, sanctions against Russia and, finally, the creation of the European Political Community.