A group of about 40 countries is expected to say on Thursday that any matter affecting European security should be decided with the Europeans, according to a draft declaration on key principles of European security seen by Reuters.
"The signatory states recall that the path to peace in Ukraine should be decided with Ukraine and that any matter affecting European security should be decided with the Europeans," the draft declaration says. It adds that Ukraine's security is an integral part of Euro-Atlantic security and that future developments in European strategic stability will be conditional on the conclusion of the war in Ukraine.
The declaration, initiated by France's foreign minister, was drawn up as European leaders gathered in Dublin for the European Political Community summit, amid an ongoing debate about how Europe should approach U.S.-led talks with Russia and Ukraine. The signatories laid out their support for principles including respect for the sovereign equality of states, the inviolability of borders and the right to choose whether to participate in alliances, as well as a commitment to human rights. "International law and the Charter of the United Nations are the cornerstone of this Declaration," the draft said.
French President Emmanuel Macron, arriving at the summit in Dublin, said there was a need for coordination within a broader Europe. "At a time when many would like to see Europe excluded from discussions concerning its own security and stability, this declaration is extremely important because it builds on everything we have done over the past decade," Macron said. "But it also recognises the need for a wake-up call, for this broader Europe to act together."
The draft declaration listed common objectives including upholding security and stability in Europe and protecting human rights and democratic systems. It also backed discussions on further risk-management and reduction mechanisms that contribute to stability in Europe, once the conditions are met and peace is restored. The total number of signatory states was still to be finalised. The declaration comes as U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travel to Dublin to brief Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on their talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
