Overview
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent a letter to European Council President António Costa asking EU leaders to decide who will represent the bloc in Ukraine negotiations and what mandate that person would have.
- Meloni asked that the issue be added to the informal European Council meeting in Dublin on Nov. 13 so leaders can settle representation before further peace initiatives proceed.
- She stressed she was not seeking a special role for Italy and warned that overlapping national talks and multiple formats are projecting a disorganized European approach that undermines credibility.
- The European Council confirmed receipt of Meloni’s letter and Council President António Costa has signaled support for organising EU participation so it speaks with one voice.
- The call follows separate national initiatives, including a Finland–Norway phone call with Russia that drew criticism, and raises the risk that Europe could be sidelined in shaping any deal and that Kyiv’s security and humanitarian needs may not be fully protected.