EU institutions and five countries to represent Europe in Ukraine peace talks

Europe will be represented in future negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine by European Union (EU) institutions and five countries: Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Poland. European Council President António Costa announced this at a press conference in Dublin after an informal summit of EU leaders. The decision matters because it determines who will speak for Europe in discussions on Ukraine's future and security.

Costa stressed that the EU's position is clear: Europe's security begins with Ukraine's security. The EU welcomes all diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing Russia to the negotiating table.

Make-up of the European team

According to Costa, the leaders agreed at the summit that Europe's team for peace negotiations on Ukraine is made up of the EU institutions and the so-called E5, the five countries from the Coalition of the Willing: Germany, France, the UK, Italy and Poland.

He added that the EU's principles and positions in the talks are well known, and that the European team will keep acting in close coordination and complete unity. In his words, Europe must speak with one clear and united voice in all discussions that shape Ukraine's future and security.

"We are fully engaged in supporting the ongoing process, and we hope it will deliver concrete results," Costa said.

Earlier reports

Politico had previously reported that the E5 countries would be represented by their national security advisers. Media reports have also suggested that EU member states are split into three camps over who should represent them in talks with Russia.