The European Political Community summit in Dublin, Ireland, did not produce any binding decisions on Ukraine, despite the war dominating discussions at the summit. However, France did share a document which was signed by the leaders present.
Malta signed it too but kept the official DOI statement did not mention it.
The document is the Declaration on Key Principles of European Security. The declaration reaffirms Ukraine’s right to sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and states that any path to peace must be decided with Ukraine, while decisions affecting European security must involve Europeans.
It also calls for credible security guarantees for Ukraine and sets out a broader approach to European security. It commits EU signatories to a 360-degree approach to security, while recognising the particular threats facing the Eastern Flank, which needs to be strengthened.
The declaration remains a political commitment rather than a binding agreement, but Malta signed it nonetheless, effectively agreeing with its principles. Constitutional experts on neutrality will be aghast, but in reality, this principle has long been abrogated through Malta’s membership of the European Union, given that we are already part of a political bloc with common security interests. We have already chosen a side.
EU leaders also reached a consensus on European representation in future Ukraine peace negotiations. The proposed team will include Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Poland, alongside European institutions. Prime Minister Robert Abela welcomed the agreement, although the mandate of those representing Europe still needs to be established.
Meanwhile, Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, inflicting further civilian casualties. On Friday, Russian strikes on Zaporizhzhia and Odesa killed three people and injured more than 55 people. By Saturday, Ukrainian authorities were reporting at least seven people killed and 80 injured in Russian attacks across the country, with Zaporizhzhia among the worst-hit areas.
Newsroom
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