Europa-Gipfel in Dublin: Ukraine-Gespräche: Merz sieht E3 am Zug
Wer soll in den Ukraine-Verhandlungen die Stimme Europas sein? Diese Frage ist in der EU seit langem strittig. Wahrscheinlich muss sie aber sehr bald konkret beantwortet werden.
At a European Union summit in Dublin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his continued belief in the E3 format – Germany, France, and the United Kingdom – for Ukraine-Russia talks. Merz viewed this as a proven approach, suggesting that Italy and Poland could be added as well. "I see no problem with it staying that way," he stated.
The Ukraine and Russia began direct talks about ending the conflict at the working level again on Tuesday, mediated by the United States. US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are aiming to convince Russian President Vladimir Putin of the importance of European participation in future peace talks. The question remains: who will they approach?
Within the EU, this issue has been contentious. So far, Ukraine discussions have been backed by the E3, but EU President António Costa has ambitions of representing the Europeans himself. "It comes down to Putin being willing to talk," Merz emphasized, "the crucial thing is that Russia comes to the table and is willing to engage in talks."
The specifics of European involvement are being discussed behind closed doors. Merz also pressed for all EU states to contribute to closing a 45-billion-euro gap in Ukraine financing for the coming year. "This is clearly a common European task for me," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Bulgaria have announced they will not participate in the funding.
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