MEPs say any peace negotiations on Ukraine must involve Ukraine
In a joint statement, leading MEPs also stress that Europe’s security architecture cannot be discussed without the active involvement of the EU and its member states.
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister (EPP, Germany), the Chair of the delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee, Pekka Toveri (EPP, Finland), the Chair of the delegation for relations with the U.S., Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy), the Chair of the delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, Ville Niinistö (The Greens/EFA, Finland), the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for Ukraine, Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany), the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for the U.S., Michał Szczerba (EPP, Poland) and the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for Russia, Sandra Kalniete (EPP, Latvia) issued the following statement on Wednesday.
“Taking note of recent statements and developments, including the preliminary talks held yesterday in Saudi Arabia among representatives of the United States of America and the Russian Federation, we reiterate that no peace in Ukraine can be negotiated without the full participation of Ukraine’s democratically elected leadership and the backing of its people. Any settlement that excludes Ukraine or undermines its legitimate aspirations will be neither just nor viable.
Furthermore, we underscore that Europe’s security architecture cannot be discussed without the active involvement of the EU and its member states. The financial support provided by the EU and its member states to Ukraine exceeds that of any other country, reflecting the Union’s unparalleled commitment to Ukraine’s defence and resilience and, consequently, to the security of Europe. The EU’s role in any negotiations impacting the security of Europe must therefore be commensurate with its political and economic weight.
The latest political developments clearly show that the EU and its member states can unfortunately no longer fully rely on the United States’ Government to defend our shared values and interests, but must take their defence and security into their own hands. This requires urgent measures to increase and streamline military spending and preparedness. If needed, all available solutions within the EU’s toolbox, including those applicable to exceptional circumstances, must be employed to enhance the EU’s deterrence capabilities and strategic autonomy.
This crucial moment requires all European leaders to face this new reality and show leadership, vision, and resolve. Reaffirming the EU’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity is essential but not sufficient. Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine poses a threat to European security that grows bigger every day, and any settlement on terms dictated by Russia will represent a time bomb for the security of the EU and its member states. It is therefore of the utmost urgency that, together with our like-minded partners and allies, we put Ukraine in the strongest possible military position.
The goal of the negotiations with the Kremlin must not be to allow Russia to achieve victory over Ukraine that it has so far been unable to obtain militarily - not least thanks to the support of the Americans, European, and other international partners.
This is why there is no time to lose. The decisions taken today will shape the security of our continent for generations to come. We call on European leaders to urgently adopt bold, brave, and comprehensive political, security, and financial measures to ensure that the future of Europe will be shaped in Europe.
The European Parliament remains resolute in its unwavering support for Ukraine. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a just and sustainable peace that respects its independence and sovereignty and is acceptable to its people.
More than ever, Europe’s future security depends on the choices we make today.”
For further information, please contact:
Office of David McAllister, Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee: tel. +32 2 284 51 30, e-mail: david.mcallister@europarl.europa.eu
Office of Pekka Toveri, Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee: tel. +32 2 284 58 37, e-mail: pekka.toveri@europarl.europa.eu
Office of Brando Benifei, Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with the U.S.: tel. +32 2 284 56 44, e-mail: brando.benifei@europarl.europa.eu
Office of Ville Niinistö, Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee: tel. +32 2 284 52 56, e-mail: ville.niinisto@europarl.europa.eu
Office of Michael Gahler, the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for Ukraine: tel. +32 2 284 59 77, e-mail: michael.gahler@europarl.europa.eu
Office of Michał Szczerba, the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for the U.S: tel. +32 2 284 58 04, e-mail: michal.szczerba@europarl.europa.eu
Office of Sandra Kalniete, the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ standing rapporteur for Russia: tel. +32 2 284 52 04, e-mail: sandra.kalniete@europarl.europa.eu
