EPG meeting in Dublin: Momentum for peace negotiations?

There is momentum in the peace negotiations - this is what the Europeans gathered in Dublin have been able to agree on so far. And they are hoping more than ever to have a seat at the negotiating table: "Ukraine must sit at the table, the Europeans must sit at the table, the Americans and of course Russia must sit at the table," said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Around forty European states have now signed a declaration on common security, which stipulates that all issues affecting European security should be decided together with the Europeans.

The initiative came from French President Emmanuel Macron: "For me, the declaration is of great importance. Around forty European countries have agreed for the first time on common principles for the future security of Europe."

However, many questions remain unanswered - especially after the talks between US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow. The two then landed at the military airport in Dublin late in the evening to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky. The eagerly awaited message to him: Progress has been made in the peace negotiations and the Europeans should have a stronger voice.

According to the Kremlin, President Putin plans to continue talks on Ukraine with US President Trump at an APEC summit in China later this month. Putin also reiterated his hope that Europe is ready to talk about a new European security architecture - according to his interpretation.

Whether and how this fits with the European position is unclear or even doubtful. NATO chief Mark Rutte still sees progress: "The very good news is that the USA, Europe and Ukraine are completely on the same page in this regard - they represent the same position."

It is therefore time to deal with other, quasi-vital issues for Ukraine - this is what Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is pushing for at the summit today. Yesterday the EU promised a further 500 generators and 200 buses for this winter of war: "We will support Ukraine - be it in wartime or in peacetime. That is why we are preparing the 22nd sanctions package against Russia." The Commission is also drawing up a proposal on how Ukraine's financial needs can be covered in 2027.

Chancellor Merz in particular is putting pressure on this: Germany is already Ukraine's largest bilateral supporter. When it comes to the EU's new 45 billion euros for the coming year, everyone would have to look deeper into the sometimes very empty state coffers, said Merz: "It goes without saying to me that this is a common European task."

The financing gap for 2027 must now be closed quickly. “These will be difficult negotiations,” said Merz. "But it is a common task for all member states of the European Union to continue to help this country."

If a far-reaching agreement is not reached, he also sees a black mark for the negotiations on the next EU budget - to which Germany also contributes the largest part.

Some say blackmail - rightly so, some others, like Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs: "I think it's an excellent strategy." Because it is clear: "If some countries want to achieve a certain budget target but do not participate in supporting Ukraine, then that is not a common approach to European security. That is why I support it."

Unity in the EU on this issue is also a prerequisite for playing a good role in shaping a peace order.