The key facts

  • Micheál Martin: there must be a European voice at the negotiating table, with the US as possible partners in such an approach
  • António Costa: only Ukraine is legitimate in discussing territories, the EU — on the country's economic future
  • The next EPC summit will be held in Zurich on 15 April 2027

A Single European Voice in Negotiations

At the conclusion of the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Dublin, leaders of European countries called for a coordinated European approach in diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. The central message of the speeches was that Europe must have its own place in negotiations on Ukraine's future.

Statements by Martin and Costa

Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, at a joint press conference, called EU and EPC support 'indispensable' for Kyiv and expressed the view that the Americans themselves would agree to a European voice at the negotiating table. According to him, European financial, defence and military support remains necessary for Ukraine, and not only the European Commission should have an agreed negotiating voice — it is 'teamwork'. Martin also stressed the need for a shared vision of what a durable peace should look like.

Division of Competences

European Council President António Costa said European countries are united on the need for diplomatic contacts and work as a team. He drew a clear distinction: 'Only Ukraine has the legitimacy to discuss, to negotiate, to speak, for example, about territories — no one else has the right to do so.' Ukraine's economic future and prosperity, he added, are a matter for the EU, while other issues require the participation of the relevant European representatives.

What Comes Next

The next EPC summit is scheduled for 15 April 2027 in Zurich. The statements in Dublin reflect the position of European leaders at a stage when diplomatic scenarios for ending the war are being discussed; however, no specific agreements on the format of Europe's participation in the negotiations were announced following the summit.