Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on the European Union to appoint a single representative to negotiate with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine, stressing that smaller groups of countries cannot speak on behalf of the entire European bloc.
Addressing lawmakers in the Italian parliament, Meloni said that Europe must act in unity in its efforts to achieve peace and that stronger coordination between European allies and the United States is essential.
“For a long time, I have supported the need to appoint an authoritative figure who is credible and mandated by all EU member states to represent Europe,” Meloni said ahead of next week’s EU summit and the G7 leaders’ meeting.
Her remarks came just days after the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Germany, who lead the informal E3 security alliance, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and backed Kyiv’s proposal to negotiate with Moscow in an effort to secure a ceasefire.
Meloni, a strong supporter of Ukraine, said that dialogue with Russia is necessary to bring the conflict to an end, but warned that no limited group of countries has the legitimacy to represent all members of the European Union.
“Efforts to build peace in Ukraine also require stronger coordination between Europe and the United States. The challenge is not always easy, but it is necessary,” the Italian prime minister said.
Her comments echoed those of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who expressed dissatisfaction over Poland’s exclusion from the talks with Zelensky in London. Tusk announced that another meeting on Ukraine would be held soon, with both Warsaw and Rome expected to participate.
In her address, Meloni also touched on the situation in the Middle East, particularly relations between the United States and Iran. She warned that ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving up energy prices and negatively affecting the global economy.
According to Meloni, the European Union should be prepared to ease sanctions on Iran if Tehran demonstrates a genuine willingness to engage in negotiations.
“However, if Tehran continues down the wrong path by threatening freedom of navigation, carrying out attacks, supporting militias and violating its international obligations, then the European Union must be prepared to increase pressure, including through new targeted measures,” Meloni said.
