Forty European Nations Unite in Dublin to Define Security Principles
Signatories agree that negotiations on European security can only begin after the war in Ukraine ends, reaffirming Ukraine's integral role in the continent's defense.
By Amir Navarro ·
Forty European states, including Ukraine, gathered in Dublin to sign a joint declaration outlining the fundamental principles of security for the continent. The document, released by the Elysee Palace, establishes a clear condition for future diplomatic efforts: negotiations regarding European security may only commence once the Russia-Ukraine war has ceased. This collective stance aims to set the stage for a stable and durable peace in the region.
The declaration explicitly supports Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. It highlights the critical need for reliable and convincing security guarantees for Kyiv. These measures are designed to prevent any recurrence of aggression, ensuring that the security framework is robust enough to withstand future challenges.
A central theme of the document is the principle of inclusion. The signatories underscore that the path to peace in Ukraine must be determined with Ukraine's active participation. Similarly, broader European security issues are to be addressed with the involvement of European nations. This approach reinforces the idea that Ukraine's security is an integral component of wider Euro-Atlantic security, linking the fate of Kyiv directly to the stability of the West.
The parties involved grounded the new declaration in a series of established legal frameworks. They cited the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 and the Statute of the Council of Europe from the same year. The document also references the Treaty on European Union, the Treaty on the Functioning of European Union, the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe from 1990. Additionally, it acknowledges the Agreement on the European Economic Area of 1992 and the Istanbul Charter for European Security of 1999 as foundational texts.
NATO member states signed on to the declaration and reaffirmed the Alliance's central role. They stated that NATO remains the foundation of their collective security and the cornerstone of their collective defense. This reaffirmation serves to consolidate the military and political structures that have historically underpinned European stability.
In a section dedicated to risk management and reduction, the signatories expressed support for further discussions on mechanisms that contribute to stability. However, these discussions are to be pursued only once the necessary conditions are met and peace is restored in Europe. The document notes that such mechanisms can address specific military risks, as well as those arising from actions conducted below the threshold of armed aggression.
The declaration was formally backed by the 40 countries during the European Political Community summit held in Dublin on Thursday, November 12. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the unity of the group, writing that they stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. He emphasized that Ukraine's security is part of Europe's security and that the continent supports Kyiv in resisting Russian aggression and preserving its freedom to choose its own destiny.
Recent reporting has added context to this diplomatic move. Axios reported that the United States proposed that Russia prepare a new draft security agreement with Europe. In this proposal, Moscow would outline not only its demands but also the steps it is prepared to take to reduce tensions. Meanwhile, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal suggested that Russia is raising the topic of a new European security architecture to distract Europeans from other issues.
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has also weighed in on the matter. She believes that a ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine must come before any substantive discussions about the European security architecture can take place. This view aligns with the core stipulation of the newly signed declaration in Dublin.
The signing of this declaration represents a significant step in coordinating European policy. By formalizing the conditions for future negotiations, the 40 signatories aim to present a unified front. This coordinated effort seeks to balance the immediate needs of the conflict with the long-term goal of establishing a comprehensive and resilient security architecture for Europe.
