A group of leading European foreign ministers met in Warsaw on Tuesday (19 November) to reaffirm solidarity with Ukraine in spite of potentially reduced US assistance, reject imposed peace solutions and explore the use of eurobonds for defence funding.
Speaking to journalists following a meeting between the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain and the UK, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (EPP) underscored the importance of this collaborative approach, particularly in light of concerns over a potential decrease in US involvement under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
“This meeting is intended to be a clear symbol of our solidarity and unity with the Ukrainian people, a nation that defends its independence from brutal invaders with determination and courage,” he said.
Alongside Sikorski, Germany’s Annalena Baerbock (Greens), France’s Jean-Noël Barrot (Renew) and Italy’s Antonio Tajani (EPP) attended the meeting in person, together with Kaja Kallas, the EU’s incoming top diplomat.
Spain’s José Manuel Albares Bueno (S&D) and the UK’s David Lammy joined the talks online.
Commenting on reports regarding the the Trump administration’s possible plans to end the war, ministers agreed that “imposing peaceful solutions on Ukraine that are contrary to its interests or lack social acceptance would negatively affect the country’s stability,” according to Sikorski.
“Today’s message is clear: we will continue to support Ukraine, from a military, economic and political standpoint,” said Tajani, as quoted by ANSA.
He added that meeting format – between the Weimar Triangle countries and selected other European partners – would become a forum for further cooperation in future, “for Europe’s growth, for the defence of democracy, for solid relations with the US and to prevent further violations of international law.”
Peace only negotiated with Ukraine
The six ministers adopted a joint declaration, in which they highlighted the growing threats to European security, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening European defence and deepening transatlantic cooperation.
“Russia‘s reckless revisionism and constant refusal to stop the aggression and engage in meaningful talks challenges peace, freedom and prosperity on the European continent and in the transatlantic area,” they stated.
Reaffirming the role of a strong and united NATO “as a bedrock of European defence and security,” they pointed to the need for European countries to step up their defence expenditure, even beyond the NATO 2% of GDP target.
The ministers also insisted on further stepping up military, economic and financial support for Ukraine, and reiterated that a lasting peace “can only be negotiated with Ukraine, with European, American and G7 partners by its side.”
They also pledged to continue deterring Russia, “thwarting Putin’s ability to sustain his war of aggression.”
Defence eurobonds
The five largest countries in the EU also came out in favour of eurobonds to finance European defence.
The creation of European defence bonds is among the options being considered by EU leaders to strengthen the EU defence sector. It would entail a joint borrowing scheme similar to the one that enabled the EU to finance its recovery programme following the avian flu pandemic.
“This is the first time, here in Warsaw, that the five largest countries in the European Union have come out in favour of European defence obligations”, said Sikorski.
“Today we have drawn up a strategy. It is the strategy of supporting European defence, to have Eurobonds (…) We need to move forward”, Tajani added.
In June, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen stated that the EU should invest €500 billion ($535 billion) over the next decade to strengthen its defence.
Zelenskyy warns Western leaders against “selling Ukraine”
The meeting in Warsaw took place at the same time as a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the European Parliament to mark the 1,000th day since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In his speech, he thanked Europe for ensuring that “not a single-one of the thousand days of this terrible war became a day of betrayal of our shared European values.”
“We’ve proven that these values are not just words – not something abstract. European values and the European way of life – when transformed into action – protect the lives of real people,” he added.
Noting that Putin “has brought 11,000 North Korean troops to Ukraine’s border,” Zelenskyy warned that Pyeongyang’s contingent may grow to 100,000.
“While some European leaders think about winning elections at Ukraine’s expense, Putin is focused on winning the war. He won’t stop on his own,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president also addressed fears that Trump’s administration may pursue peace at the cost of Kyiv’s condition.
“If anyone in Europe thinks they can sell Moscow Ukraine – or any other country, like the Baltic states, the Balkans, Georgia, or Moldova – and gain something in return, let them remember this simple truth – no one can enjoy calm waters amid a storm,” he emphasised.
Aurélie Pugnet contributed reporting.
[Edited by Owen Morgan]
