The article explores the concept of a 'polycrisis' in the European Union (EU), where multiple, interrelated crises simultaneously challenge the Union's cohesion and legitimacy. Since 2016, the EU has been considered to be in a state of polycrisis, where crises feed into each other, creating uncertainty and polarisation. The authors argue that such a situation can lead to a 'politics trap', where negative politicisation of European issues hinders national leaders from agreeing on solutions, leading to a deadlock that undermines the Union's legitimacy and fuels Euroscepticism. However, the article presents findings from a collection of contributions that suggest the EU has shown resilience in navigating the second polycrisis, which includes the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The authors propose an analytical framework that includes the concepts of polycrises, polycleavages, and politics traps. Polycrises are defined as simultaneous crises with interconnected consequences, while polycleavages are cross-cutting divisions that polarise member states and citizens. A politics trap is a self-reinforcing cycle where negative politicisation of European issues hinders effective compromise. The article argues that the EU has managed to avoid falling into a politics trap during the second polycrisis, demonstrating resilience through strategic responses by political leaders and public opinion. The EU's response to the second polycrisis has included coordinated actions across member states, such as the creation of the European Health Union, the adoption of the NextGenerationEU package, and the implementation of far-reaching sanctions against Russia. These responses have been characterised by a high level of salience and low polarisation, facilitating positive politicisation. The article also highlights the role of public opinion and media in shaping the EU's response, with a convergence of public debates across member states contributing to a more unified approach. The authors conclude that the EU's ability to navigate the second polycrisis is due to a combination of strategic leadership, public support, and the development of new policy solutions. The EU's responses have reinforced norms of unity, solidarity, and collective responsibility, helping to avoid a politics trap. The article suggests that the EU's experience with the second polycrisis provides valuable lessons for future challenges, demonstrating the Union's capacity to adapt and respond effectively to complex, interconnected crises.The article explores the concept of a 'polycrisis' in the European Union (EU), where multiple, interrelated crises simultaneously challenge the Union's cohesion and legitimacy. Since 2016, the EU has been considered to be in a state of polycrisis, where crises feed into each other, creating uncertainty and polarisation. The authors argue that such a situation can lead to a 'politics trap', where negative politicisation of European issues hinders national leaders from agreeing on solutions, leading to a deadlock that undermines the Union's legitimacy and fuels Euroscepticism. However, the article presents findings from a collection of contributions that suggest the EU has shown resilience in navigating the second polycrisis, which includes the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The authors propose an analytical framework that includes the concepts of polycrises, polycleavages, and politics traps. Polycrises are defined as simultaneous crises with interconnected consequences, while polycleavages are cross-cutting divisions that polarise member states and citizens. A politics trap is a self-reinforcing cycle where negative politicisation of European issues hinders effective compromise. The article argues that the EU has managed to avoid falling into a politics trap during the second polycrisis, demonstrating resilience through strategic responses by political leaders and public opinion. The EU's response to the second polycrisis has included coordinated actions across member states, such as the creation of the European Health Union, the adoption of the NextGenerationEU package, and the implementation of far-reaching sanctions against Russia. These responses have been characterised by a high level of salience and low polarisation, facilitating positive politicisation. The article also highlights the role of public opinion and media in shaping the EU's response, with a convergence of public debates across member states contributing to a more unified approach. The authors conclude that the EU's ability to navigate the second polycrisis is due to a combination of strategic leadership, public support, and the development of new policy solutions. The EU's responses have reinforced norms of unity, solidarity, and collective responsibility, helping to avoid a politics trap. The article suggests that the EU's experience with the second polycrisis provides valuable lessons for future challenges, demonstrating the Union's capacity to adapt and respond effectively to complex, interconnected crises.