Reaffirming Support for Ukraine
Ukraine and Europe Must Participate in Peace Talks
Security Cooperation with the United States Must Continue
As signs emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump was bypassing Europe in peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, leaders of major European countries held an emergency meeting on the 17th (local time) in Paris, France. It is interpreted as an effort to devise a response plan after President Trump decided to engage in peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, excluding Europe.
The leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland, along with the European Union (EU) Commission President, the EU Council President, and the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), held an informal meeting for about three and a half hours at the ?lys?e Palace, the French presidential office, that afternoon.
The New York Times reported, "At this meeting, European leaders discussed what they are willing to commit to in the short term for a peace agreement on the Ukraine war, and in the long term, how to protect Europe, which faces Russian expansionism and the withdrawal of U.S. support guarantees."
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after arriving in Paris for the meeting, "Europe's security is at a turning point," adding, "We need an urgent mindset. A surge in defense spending is necessary."
The attendees unanimously expressed their willingness to support Ukraine and emphasized that Ukraine, as a party to the peace negotiations led by the U.S. and Russia, must not be excluded. Ostensibly prioritizing Ukraine as the country suffering from the war, this is also interpreted as meaning that Europe should naturally be involved in matters affecting its future security.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters, "We will continue to support Ukraine," and said, "Discussions about a peace agreement are welcome, but we reject any peace forced upon Ukraine," emphasizing that Ukraine must participate as a party in peace negotiations.
There were also warnings that hasty peace negotiations could lead to a greater crisis in Europe. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed concern, saying, "Unfortunately, Russia is now threatening the entire Europe," and warned, "A ceasefire that is too quick could give Russia the opportunity to regroup and then attack Ukraine or other European countries."
The participants agreed that Europe should play a greater role in guaranteeing Ukraine's security and that defense spending must be increased to this end.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also said, "We realize that the transatlantic relationship has entered a new phase," adding, "European partners recognize that the time has come for greater European defense capabilities and are increasing spending."
Commission President von der Leyen stated, "Europe must bear the full cost of military support for Ukraine and simultaneously strengthen its defense capabilities in Europe."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed the view that deploying peacekeeping forces to Ukraine while the war is ongoing is premature and described it as "highly inappropriate."
There was also consensus that security cooperation with the United States must continue closely. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that "the U.S. must act as a safety net for all guarantees provided to Ukraine. That is the only way to deter Russia," and Prime Minister Tusk also said, "Europe and the U.S. must cooperate closely."
Chancellor Scholz stressed, "There must be no division of security and responsibility between Europe and the U.S. NATO is based on the principle that we guarantee our security by acting together and sharing risks."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
