Europe demands unified voice in Ukraine peace talks
European leaders have called for a coordinated approach to diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, insisting that the continent must have a meaningful role in negotiations over the country's future.
Speaking at a joint news conference following the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Dublin on Thursday, Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin said Europe must speak with one coherent voice in any negotiations aimed at securing lasting peace.
Martin described the European Union and the wider European Political Community as indispensable to Ukraine, highlighting Europe's financial, defence and military support for Kyiv.
“I think the Americans themselves would accept that there should be a European voice at the table,” he said.
He stressed that European involvement should extend beyond EU institutions, calling for a broader coordinated effort among European countries.
“Europe has to have a coherent negotiating voice at the table, but it's not just the EU,” Martin said, describing the process as “a team effort”.
Costa says only Ukraine can negotiate its territory
European Council President Antonio Costa also underlined the importance of European unity, saying member states were working together on diplomatic efforts to address the conflict.
However, he stressed that decisions concerning Ukrainian territory must remain exclusively in Kyiv's hands.
“Only Ukraine has the legitimacy to discuss, to negotiate, to talk about, for instance, territories, nobody else has any legitimacy to talk about this,” Costa said.
He added that the European Union should play a central role in discussions concerning Ukraine's economic future and long-term prosperity, while other aspects of the negotiations should involve the relevant European representatives.
The leaders' statements highlight growing calls for Europe to coordinate its position as diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war continue.
The next European Political Community summit is scheduled to take place in Zurich on April 15, 2027.
Source:AA
