EU High Representative Kallas calls for focusing on the content of the negotiations rather than who will represent the EU

Kallas answered questions from members of the press before the informal summit meeting of EU leaders held in Dublin, the capital of Ireland.

Kallas responded to the question that some member states did not want him as a negotiator by stating that all member states agreed that he would represent Europe in foreign and security policy in June 2024.

Kallas emphasized that leaders could change this decision, but the priority should be the content of the negotiations, saying, "I think we should really focus our energy on the content of the negotiations." he said.

Pointing out the importance of the EU maintaining its common stance, Kallas said, "Any differences between us benefit the other party." he said.

Kallas said that he was ready to work as a strong team with foreign ministers and noted that ministers meet every month and that existing consultation mechanisms should be used more.

Kallas explained that within the scope of preparation for negotiations, the maximum demands should first be determined, and then it should be evaluated on which issues can be taken back and compromised, and emphasized that it depends on the framework determined by the member countries.

Kallas said, "I do not represent myself. I represent 27 countries, as I have done for two years." he said.

"I know the Russians don't want me"

Answering the question about Russia not wanting him as a negotiator, Kallas said, "I know the Russians don't want me, but do we have a say in who will represent Russia? No, we don't." he said.

Arguing that Moscow does not want to see a strong interlocutor to impose its maximum demands, Kallas said that giving Russia the right to determine who will represent Europe will provide Moscow with an influence it should not have.

Stating that Europeans are needed to implement any agreement reached between Russia and Ukraine, Kallas stated that Europe should not only be at the negotiation table but also affect the outcome of the negotiations.

"First a ceasefire, then a peace agreement"

Emphasizing that the agreement on the priority order should be adhered to in the talks to end the war in Ukraine, Kallas said, "First there should be a ceasefire, then a peace agreement, and then negotiations on other issues." he said.

Noting that a ceasefire must first be achieved in order for Russia's will for peace to be seen, Kallas argued that opening the European security architecture to discussion would distract attention from this goal.

When asked about the red lines regarding the new security architecture demanded by Russia, Kallas claimed that starting to discuss this issue would mean "falling into the trap set by Russia."

Pointing out that Russia has put forward its maximum demands, Kallas said that the EU should start the negotiations with its own maximum demands.

Kallas stated that they prepared these demands with the foreign ministers of the EU countries and said, "If one side starts with maximum demands and the other does not want anything, you can guess where this negotiation will lead." made his assessment.

The use of artificial intelligence in war

Stating that they will also discuss artificial intelligence at the meeting, Kallas stated that the "dark side" of this technology can be seen on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Kallas said that unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with artificial intelligence are trained to find and kill people, and emphasized that killing civilians is against international law.