EU and E5 to Form Joint European Team for Ukraine Peace Talks

European Union (EU) leaders have agreed to establish a joint European negotiating team comprising EU institutions and the E5 group of the Coalition of the Willing to participate in discussions on peace in Ukraine.

European Council President Antonio Costa announced the decision on Friday following an informal meeting of EU leaders in Dublin, Ireland, reported Xinhua.

Costa said the European negotiating team would work in close coordination and unity, emphasizing that Europe must speak with “one clear and united voice” in discussions concerning Ukraine’s future and European security.

He stressed that the EU has a central role in discussions about Ukraine’s European future, reconstruction and prosperity. He also said security guarantees for Ukraine should be discussed within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing, in close coordination with NATO.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement, saying the European team would include the European Council, the European Commission and the five E5 countries: Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Poland.

“We decide on who represents us, and that's what we've done today,” she said, adding that Europe aims to safeguard its interests while supporting Ukraine in the negotiations.

Regarding further assistance to Ukraine, Costa said EU leaders would discuss the country's financing needs for next year and beyond at the next European Council meeting, scheduled for November 26-27.