The key facts

  • Ceasefire talks will take place in Abu Dhabi on November 10–11, mediated by the US
  • Barrot confirmed France's participation but did not name the composition of the European delegation
  • Meloni and Costa are pushing for a unified EU mandate at the talks

Abu Dhabi talks and the fight for a seat at the table

On November 10–11, talks are to open in Abu Dhabi between Russian, Ukrainian and American delegations on a possible ceasefire and security measures that could accompany the end of the war. According to Euronews, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Sundaythat Europeans would be 'well represented' at these discussions and that France would take part, but he did not specify who would go or in what capacity.

Fear of being left out of decisions

Behind the diplomatic activity lies a growing concern among European capitals that decisions about the continent's security may be made without them. President Donald Trump has announced a major deal affecting Ukraine and possibly all of Europe, without revealing details. Last week, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a more coordinated European approach and a clear mandate for EU representation in the talks. European Council President António Costa agreed to put the question of EU representation on the agenda of the bloc's informal leaders' meeting in Dublin on Friday.

Paris: G7, Ukraine and Chernobyl

On Monday and Tuesday, a G7 foreign ministers' meeting will be held in Paris under the French chairmanship, where support for Ukraine — military capabilities, financial assistance and energy support — ranks high on the agenda alongside the Middle East and other crises. On Tuesday, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is expected to join them for a separate session on support for Kyiv and preparations for the Abu Dhabi talks. On Monday, France will also hold a donor conference together with the EBRD and the Ukrainian authorities to raise funds for repairing the damaged protective structure at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Parallel steps: exercises and security guarantees

From Monday until November 22, the Franco-British-led 'coalition of the willing' is holding military exercises in Poland involving 2,800 troops from 11 countries — intended by the organizers as an important test of combat readiness and of the ability to provide security guarantees in a post-war Ukraine. This practical dimension of Europe's role runs parallel to the diplomatic struggle for a seat at the negotiating table: while participation in the talks themselves has been confirmed only in general terms, the specific format and mandate of European representation remain unresolved.