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Europe pushes for EU representative in Ukraine talks
(MENAFN) Several European governments are urging the European Union to appoint a dedicated negotiator to represent their interests in talks on Ukraine, amid concerns that the United States might strike a deal with Russia without fully addressing Europe’s security priorities, according to reports on Wednesday.
The initiative, led by France and Italy, reflects fears in multiple capitals that Washington’s bilateral engagement with Moscow could marginalize the EU on matters directly affecting European security, including Ukraine’s sovereignty and the continent’s long-term defense arrangements.
Sources with direct knowledge of the discussions said that the proposal has gained support within the European Commission and among several member states. Advocates argue that Europe can only defend its “red lines,” such as opposing settlements that threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty or future security guarantees, if the EU has its own representative at the negotiating table.
In recent weeks, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have coordinated calls for opening diplomatic channels with Moscow, despite doubts about Russia’s readiness to engage in negotiations.
A senior French official highlighted that the increasing number of bilateral talks between the US and Russia underscores the necessity for Europe to assert its role, noting that Rome strongly backs this approach.
Discussions in Brussels have centered on how the EU could participate in negotiations and safeguard European concerns should talks progress, with one EU official noting: “There are some issues which cannot be discussed with (only) the US when they have direct implications on our security as Europeans.”
The initiative, led by France and Italy, reflects fears in multiple capitals that Washington’s bilateral engagement with Moscow could marginalize the EU on matters directly affecting European security, including Ukraine’s sovereignty and the continent’s long-term defense arrangements.
Sources with direct knowledge of the discussions said that the proposal has gained support within the European Commission and among several member states. Advocates argue that Europe can only defend its “red lines,” such as opposing settlements that threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty or future security guarantees, if the EU has its own representative at the negotiating table.
In recent weeks, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have coordinated calls for opening diplomatic channels with Moscow, despite doubts about Russia’s readiness to engage in negotiations.
A senior French official highlighted that the increasing number of bilateral talks between the US and Russia underscores the necessity for Europe to assert its role, noting that Rome strongly backs this approach.
Discussions in Brussels have centered on how the EU could participate in negotiations and safeguard European concerns should talks progress, with one EU official noting: “There are some issues which cannot be discussed with (only) the US when they have direct implications on our security as Europeans.”
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