On Ukraine Negotiations, Meloni Sends Sharp Message to European Council

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized what she described as Europe's "floundering" in negotiations related to Ukraine, demanding that the bloc clarify who speaks on its behalf.

In a letter addressed to European Council President Antonio Costa, Meloni expressed her dissatisfaction with several meetings held in various formats as part of efforts to end the Russian war in Ukraine.

She wrote, "All this suggests that we are people completely lacking credibility in managing one of the most complex files facing our countries."

She added, "I am certain that we all realize that presenting Europe as acting in an uncoordinated manner serves only the interests of those who want this war to continue."

In this context, she referred to recent discussions held in Miami and Oslo, as well as in Brussels this week between representatives from Ukraine, the European Union, NATO, and several European countries, including France, Germany, and Britain.

She also touched upon the phone call last month involving the Norwegian President, the Finnish Prime Minister, and the Russian President. She continued, "I want to state clearly that I will not accept this dynamic, nor do I intend to stand idly by regarding these matters."

Meloni also said, "Proceeding in a state of floundering, with initiatives that follow and overlap with each other, will not help us in dealing with our partners, nor with those we need to convince to put an end to this absurd aggression."

Meloni demanded that EU leaders decide "once and for all who will sit at the negotiating table on behalf of the European Union, and what powers are granted to him," emphasizing that she is not asking for anything for herself or her country.

She expressed her desire to include this topic on the agenda of an informal meeting of EU heads of state and government scheduled for next week in Dublin, paving the way for a formal decision on the matter during the upcoming European summit in December.

She continued, "Without that, I fear we risk leaving Europe without any significant influence on the course of negotiations."

Earlier this year, Meloni called for the appointment of a special envoy for the EU for these negotiations, but her proposal did not receive significant response from EU member states.

Costa, in a letter sent to Meloni, agreed with her that "Europe needs to act in harmony, unity, and determination."

He said in his message, published by his office, "The EU's participation should be organized in a way that allows it to deliver a clear and unified message, defend its interests, and support Ukraine."

The European Council President added that according to the bloc's treaties, "the interests of the European Union must be represented through its institutions."

Costa pledged to raise this issue at the next meeting of EU leaders.

Europe has long sought to play a more effective role in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.