European Council President: Russia-Ukraine War Undermined European Security System Established Decades Ago

Brussels, Nov 12 (KUNA) -- European Council President Antonio Costa said on Thursday that the Russian-Ukrainian war has undermined the European security architecture built over decades. Emphasizing that any future security arrangements for the European continent must be based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, Costa stressed that achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is a fundamental condition for Europe’s security. He added that “the security of European countries is linked to Ukraine’s security, and the continent’s collective security cannot be separated from achieving peace there, especially amid intensified efforts to end the war.”

Costa underscored the need to respect three principles to achieve peace: first, Ukraine’s right to choose its partners and allies and determine its own future; second, the necessity of a European voice at the negotiating table on the continent’s security through cooperation among European countries, the European Union, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); and third, building on the European security system that existed before the Russian-Ukrainian war, relying on the principles established by the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, foremost among them the equality of sovereignty among states, non-threat or use of force, respect for borders and territorial integrity, and settlement of disputes by peaceful means.

He pointed out that European priorities for ending the war include reaching a ceasefire, achieving tangible progress in the Black Sea, and creating the necessary conditions for a peace agreement, noting that the coming weeks will be a crucial test of Russia’s willingness to halt the war amid continued escalation and attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Costa expressed support for the French initiative on a declaration of key principles for the future of European security, emphasizing the need to reaffirm and strengthen the principles underpinning the continent, and noting that the European Political Community summit serves as the main platform for dialogue on European security.

Dublin is hosting the ninth meeting of the European Political Community, co-chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, with around 50 European leaders participating. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend as guests, alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. (End) A.R.N. / A.M.S.