Merz proposes five nations to represent Europe in Ukraine peace talks
Photo: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Getty Images)
Europe could be represented in potential peace negotiations on Ukraine by the "Big Five" states. This is a time-tested format of cooperation, states German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Dublin.
Merz on Europe's representative
Merz noted that Germany, France, Britain, Italy, and Poland could represent Europe in negotiations regarding Ukraine.
According to him, the European Trio format, which includes Germany, Britain, and France, is already operational. At the same time, the countries are partially working in a broader five-state format.
The Chancellor stated that they already had a proven E3 format and were also partially addressing the issue in a five-country format involving Germany, UK, France, Italy, and Poland. He added that he saw no problem with maintaining this arrangement.
However, he emphasized that a final decision regarding EU representation in the negotiations has not yet been made.
Merz added that this issue would be discussed without the press present.
Russia's position
Merz expects that the Russian government and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will finally agree to joint negotiations.
He also noted certain positive signals from Moscow regarding Europe's involvement. According to him, Russia appears to be changing its position.
He expressed confidence that the Russian side was increasingly ready to acknowledge that Europe could not be excluded from discussions about its own future, describing this as good news in itself. He added that it remained to be seen whether this position would be maintained, as much would depend on the negotiations in the coming days.
European leaders agree they want a seat at the negotiating table between Russia and Ukraine. However, they have not yet chosen anyone specific for this role.
Furthermore, the EU is unlikely to make a decision on appointing a single special envoy for negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine at the upcoming summit in Dublin.
Consultations on the possible appointment of a special representative have been ongoing since the beginning of 2025, but consensus has yet to be reached.
