EU stresses importance of its participation in Russia-Ukraine peace talks to protect its interests

Brussels -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyan stressed on Friday the importance of the European Union’s participation in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing that “European presence is essential to safeguard the interests of EU member states and to continue supporting Ukraine.” Speaking to journalists ahead of the second day of the European Council summit in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, von der Leyan said it was “self-evident that Europe must be part of peace talks to protect our interests and to support Ukraine as well.” The European official welcomed the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, describing it as a “positive development” in the diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.

On another front, von der Leyan announced that the Commission would present a proposal on financing Ukraine’s needs for 2027, alongside the EU’s 22nd package of sanctions against Russia, before the next European Council meeting.

Regarding the EU’s representation in the negotiations, Estonian Prime Minister Kristiina Ojuland said in a press statement that European Council President António Costa and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, could potentially assume the role of representative. The issue of EU representation in peace talks is expected to dominate leaders’ discussions at today’s meeting, with divergent European positions on the mechanism for such representation. France and Germany oppose appointing a special EU commissioner, while other countries, led by Italy, are pushing for the appointment of a special representative to represent the bloc in the negotiations. (End) A.R.N. / N.B.Sh.