Costa: EU Has Not Yet Decided Who Will Represent Europe in Possible Talks with Russia

European Council President António Costa indicated after the European Political Community summit in Dublin, Ireland, that the European Union has still not decided who will represent the bloc in potential negotiations with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine. The question matters because the makeup of the negotiating side may determine whether Europe has a voice in decisions on its own security. The statement was reported by the outlet European Pravda.

Costa stressed that Ukraine is a sovereign state, like any other European country, and must have the right to freely choose its alliances and partnerships. He said Europe has sent empires and spheres of influence to the "dustbin of history" and will never allow them to return.

According to him, the future of European security cannot be discussed and decided without Europe. For that reason, the EU, together with NATO and a number of European countries, is playing its part in the current diplomatic efforts. "We are acting as one team – side by side with our Ukrainian partners," Costa said.

The head of the European Council recalled that Europe has an established security architecture, which Russia chose to undermine by force. He added that the EU is determined to keep following the same fundamental principles that have guided the foreign policy of peaceful European states for decades. These principles of international law will remain the compass for the EU in any negotiations on peace in Ukraine and security in Europe.

Differing views on a representative

Estonia believes Europe could be represented at the talks by Costa and the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, by contrast, has said Europe does not necessarily need a single representative in potential talks with Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that who represents Europe matters less than whether Russia will agree to the presence of Europeans at the negotiating table.