Europe’s participation in negotiations on Ukraine dominated Thursday’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Dublin. Leaders remain divided over who should represent the European Union in any potential talks with Russia.
Two days of talks involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi ended on Wednesday without an apparent solution and without the direct participation of Europeans. Representatives of both EU institutions were in the United Arab Emirates capital: Björn Seibert, a close aide to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, representing the Commission, and Greek diplomat Anna-Maria Boura, representing the European Council. Representatives of NATO and the E4 group — Britain, France, Germany and Italy — were also present, but did not speak directly with the Russian side.
US President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met Russian President Vladimir Putin today and are expected to travel to Dublin this evening to brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the meeting.
'Unwavering support for Ukraine'
Following the European side’s meeting with Zelensky in Dublin on Thursday, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa issued a joint statement. They described the EPC summit in Dublin as another opportunity to reaffirm their unwavering support for Zelensky and Ukraine, welcomed the talks in Abu Dhabi and the “new momentum in the peace process”, and stressed that the EU had been present and “will continue to participate in this format”.
The two leaders said they would continue to stand by Ukraine, as they had since the first day of Russia’s invasion, with the aim of achieving a “just and lasting peace” that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the security of Europe. “The EU and its tools are central to these efforts. We will continue to provide significant financial and military assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s position,” they said. They also noted that the EU is working on a sustainable post-war reconstruction plan and actively supporting the country’s path to accession.
At the extraordinary European Council summit in Brussels on 26 and 27 November, leaders are expected to discuss Ukraine’s urgent financing needs for 2027, on the basis of a Commission proposal. The Commission is also expected to present its 22nd package of sanctions against Russia. “Ukraine must negotiate from a position of strength. And Russia must be persuaded to come to the table with a genuine intention to make peace,” the two presidents said.
Winter of war
With another winter of war approaching, the Commission is mobilising 500 generators from the rescEU stockpiles, helping establish emergency support hubs and providing essential equipment. It is also supporting the delivery of four floating bridges from Norway and 200 buses. In a post, Costa said the EU stands “by Ukraine, in war and in peace. Our support matches our determination. Both grow stronger over time.” He reiterated that the urgent needs for the winter and the securing of funding for 2027 would be discussed at the November European Council summit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had received positive signals from Abu Dhabi, but stressed that Ukraine and Europe must be involved. “I expect the Russian government and the Russian President to finally agree to these joint talks,” he said, adding that the question of the EU’s representative would be discussed “behind closed doors”. In his view, the priority is to bring Putin to the table and then decide on the envoy: “It is not a question of individuals; what matters is that Putin is ready for talks.”
Merz is pushing for a central role for the original E3 group — Germany, France and Britain — with Italy added. Another group of countries, led by Italy, wants the EU itself to take part through a single negotiator, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also requested in a letter to Costa. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas took a more cautious stance, saying she had seen no goodwill from Moscow and insisting that a ceasefire must come before discussions on a peace agreement or the broader security architecture.
“The Americans represent American interests, the Europeans European interests,” Kallas said, adding that the Treaties provide for the EU to be represented by Costa and herself. Costa said the European voice must be “a team effort of European states, the European Union and NATO”.
French President Emmanuel Macron argued that Europe should first agree on its own peace proposals and its vision for European security before deciding who will represent it. “The substance determines the format,” he said, adding: “There is no support for Ukraine without the Europeans, let us be honest.”
Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden backed Costa. Ireland’s Prime Minister and summit host, Micheál Martin, called for “clear, coherent leadership from the EU at the table”, noting that it did not necessarily have to be one person. Earlier in the week, Kushner made mocking remarks about the Europeans’ “division” and said that broadening the format would require Putin’s approval.
The issue is also expected to be discussed on Friday at the EU’s informal summit, following a request from Meloni. Costa agreed to set aside time for the discussion, in addition to the original agenda, which for the first time focuses on artificial intelligence.
Source: CNA
