Ukraine? Costa guarantees debate on EU representative in negotiations

O president of the European Council, António Costa, today ensured that the choice of a European representative to participate in the negotiations to end the war in Ukraine will be discussed at the next informal meeting of the body in Dublin.

The Portuguese politician responded in this way to the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, who today transmitted to António Costa that the European Union (EU) must choose by the end of the year a representative to participate in the negotiations.

The leader of the European Council has ensured that this issue will be discussed “in more depth” at the forthcoming informal meeting of the European Council, scheduled for the end of next week in Dublin.

“I’ll save time for this discussion,” he said.

António Costa stressed that he shares Giorgia Meloni’s view that “the European Union must be properly involved in discussions that shape the security of Europe and the future of Ukraine”.

“The participation of the European Union should be organised in such a way as to enable it to deliver a clear and unified message, defend its interests and support Ukraine”, reads the reply of the former Portuguese Prime Minister.

Costa reminded the missive that it has raised this question “on several previous occasions” during discussions between leaders.

“ I am convinced that our common interest is to ensure that the European Union contributes effectively to a just, lasting and sustainable peace, in close cooperation with Ukraine and our other partners,” he said.

In a letter to the former Portuguese Prime Minister, Meloni argued that European countries should overcome differences in the conduct of diplomatic contacts on the conflict.

“ In the light of recent developments, I find myself obliged to return to an issue that I have repeatedly raised at the European Council. I refer to the need for Europe to speak with one voice on the Ukrainian question, a need that cannot be postponed anymore,” Meloni wrote.

The head of the Italian Government considered that the multiplication of diplomatic initiatives, carried out in different formats and with the participation of different countries, is undermining European credibility.

According to Meloni, this situation makes Europeans “untrustworthy in managing one of the most complex issues facing our nations”.

In the letter, Meloni formally asked António Costa to include the issue on the agenda for the forthcoming informal meeting of the European Council.

The aim is to allow EU Heads of State or Government to formalise a decision at the December European Council meeting.

The choice should be preceded by consultations with the United Kingdom, Norway and other European partners involved in the diplomatic efforts related to Ukraine.

The Italian Prime Minister, who has been pointed out as one of the potential political figures to be appointed as an EU representative in the peace negotiations, ended the letter expressing confidence in the President of the European Council to give priority to the matter.

“ I trust that it will make this issue one of your priorities and you know that you can always count on my support”, Meloni concluded.