At the European Political Community summit in Dublin on 12 November, 39 out of 47 countries signed a declaration on the principles of European security. The document, initiated by France against the backdrop of negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Russia on ending the war, stipulates that decisions on European security must be taken with the involvement of European countries, and that the path to peace in Ukraine must involve Ukraine itself.
Before the summit began, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europe needs to formulate its own peace plan and vision for the future security architecture. “Europe’s position on supporting Ukraine is absolutely clear. We must now clearly set out our own peace plan and our vision for the future security architecture. And today’s declaration precisely sets out the key principles on this matter,” he said.
“The path to peace in Ukraine must be determined with Ukraine’s involvement, and any issues affecting European security must be resolved with the involvement of Europeans,” states the declaration, which Radio Free Europe has seen.
Following the summit, European Council President António Costa recalled that Europe already has a security architecture in place, which Russia has been attempting to undermine by force over the past few decades. “Europe has consigned empires and spheres of influence to the dustbin of history, and we will never allow them to be revived,” he said.
Security guarantees for Ukraine
The countries that signed the declaration reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. They also stated the need to provide Kyiv with “reliable and effective security guarantees” to prevent a recurrence of aggression in Europe. The countries concerned reaffirmed their intention to provide such guarantees.
“Ukraine’s security is an integral part of Euro-Atlantic security, and the future development of strategic stability in Europe will depend on the end of the war in Ukraine,” the document states.
The declaration enshrines the right of every country to determine its relations with other states independently and to decide whether to join international organisations and military alliances.
Koshta emphasised: “Ukraine is a sovereign state, just like any other state in Europe. It must remain free to choose its alliances and partnerships.”
Countering security threats
The document allows for discussion of new risk management mechanisms for European security, but only once the necessary conditions have been met and peace has been restored. This refers to both military risks and threats arising from actions that do not amount to armed aggression.
The signatories emphasised the need to strengthen Europe’s defences against threats from all directions and specifically highlighted the danger facing the countries on the eastern flank, situated close to Russia.
The countries also reaffirmed the fundamental principles of European security: the inviolability of borders, the territorial integrity of states, non-interference in internal affairs, the renunciation of the threat or use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
“These principles of international law will continue to guide the European Union’s position in any negotiations on peace in Ukraine and security in Europe,” said Koshta.
Separately, the signatories to the declaration emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation, including in the Black Sea, for global food security.
Who signed the declaration
The document was signed by 39 of the 47 countries in the European Political Community. These include Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Norway, Moldova, Georgia and 26 of the 27 EU Member States. Bulgaria was the only EU country not to sign the declaration.
Other members of the Community that did not sign the document include Turkey, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Switzerland.
The European Political Community is a forum for meetings between the leaders of 47 European states, established in 2022 on the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron. It comprises EU countries and other states located on the European continent.
The Community’s summits are held twice a year. At these summits, participants discuss common political and security challenges.
The original version of this article first appeared on Glob-News.com.