About 40 Countries Set to Declare European Security Must Be Decided With Europeans
A draft declaration circulated at the European Political Community summit in Dublin asserts that any matter affecting European security should be decided with European nations.
By Vanessa Lopez ·
Around 40 countries are expected to declare 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 declaration emerged as European leaders gathered for a summit in Dublin, highlighting the demand that Europe must have a voice in discussions about its future. The move comes amid a continuing debate over how Europe should approach US-led talks with Russia and Ukraine.
"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 countries wrote in the draft, which was initiated by France's foreign minister.
"They emphasize that Ukraine's security is an integral part of Euro-atlantic security and that future developments in European strategic stability will be conditional upon the conclusion of the war in Ukraine," the draft added.
The signatories also expressed support for principles that include respect for the sovereign equality of states, the inviolability of borders, and the right of states to choose whether to participate in alliances, alongside a commitment to human rights.
"International law and the Charter of the United Nations are the cornerstone of this Declaration," the draft stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for coordination within a broader Europe as he arrived at the European Political Community summit in Dublin. "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," he said.
"But it also recognizes the need for a wake-up call, for this broader Europe to act together," Macron added.
The draft listed common objectives such as upholding security and stability in Europe and protecting human rights and democratic systems. It also said the signatory states "support discussions on further risk management and reduction mechanisms that contribute to stability in Europe, once the conditions are met and peace is restored in Europe."
The total number of signatory states had yet to be finalized.
