The European Parliament will propose the appointment of an EU representative for negotiations with Russia
The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs has officially called on the European Commission and EU member states to explore the possibility of appointing a high-level European negotiator with a clearly defined mandate to represent Brussels in future diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
This initiative was included in a special report, which was approved by a vote of 54 to 17, with 5 abstentions.
MEPs affirm that nothing concerning Ukraine should be decided without Ukraine when it comes to ending Russia’s aggressive war, and nothing regarding Europe should be decided without Europe, as any agreement will have profound implications for European security. In the text, MEPs also condemn the U.S. position that U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine depend on Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbas, insisting instead that the EU, together with its partners and allies, provide Ukraine with credible security guarantees after the war officially ends. Furthermore, the report rejects the U.S. administration’s pressure on Ukraine to hold elections while the war with Russia is still ongoing, and emphasizes the importance of allowing sufficient time to meet the necessary standards and conditions for free and fair elections after martial law is lifted.
The document commends Ukraine’s extraordinary efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and safeguard the separation of powers during the war, and welcomes progress in judicial reform and the fight against corruption. At the same time, it emphasizes the need to address the recent deterioration in relations between the legislative and executive branches, ensure the integrity of judicial officials through transparent appointments, protect anti-corruption bodies from political interference, and take further measures to support freedom of expression and media independence. MEPs reaffirm their firm conviction that Russia must pay for the destruction it has caused, and emphasize the need for predictable, long-term EU financial support, expressing regret that the Commission and the Council did not agree to use the funds frozen in connection with Russian sovereign assets.
This is reported on the European Parliament’s website.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow is allegedly ready for negotiations to end the war against Ukraine, but sees no willingness for dialogue on the Ukrainian side.
Putin is not changing course and continues to finance the war.
