EU in Ukraine negotiations: Giorgia Meloni's frustration

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is known for sharp words. Now it has hit EU Council President António Costa. The reason: the negotiations about a possible end to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the position of the Europeans in this. In an incendiary letter, she called on Costa to “decide once and for all who sits at the negotiating table on behalf of the European Union and with what mandate,” wrote Meloni urgently. She considers an “inconsistent approach with initiatives that chase and overlap one another” to be fatal. This will “neither help Europe with our partners nor with those we have to convince to end senseless aggression.”

Above all, Meloni sees chaos in the negotiations - and not only wants a clear stance, but also wants to know who will represent the EU in negotiations. From Meloni's point of view, the jurisdictional hiccup also includes the telephone conversation between Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin a week ago. Other negative examples include: the talks in Oslo and Miami, but also the meeting in the middle of this week between representatives of Ukraine, the USA, NATO, the EU and individual European states in Brussels.

Everything is difficult, everything is pointless, one could summarize Meloni's view and specifically: "I am convinced that with the image of a Europe that acts in a disorderly manner, we only serve the interests of those who want to continue this war." She is not supporting the dynamic and has no intention of standing idly by.

With the demand, Meloni also presented a timetable. If the Italian Prime Minister has her way, Costa should immediately put the issue on the agenda at the informal EU summit in Dublin. That would be next week. The heads of state and government of the European Union actually want to talk about artificial intelligence in Ireland and also prepare for the special budget meeting and the traditional Christmas summit in Brussels.

The war in Europe resonates at all meetings anyway - but none of the 27 EU heads of state and government can use a scandal at the moment. The talks in Dublin will then be followed by agreements with Great Britain, Norway and “other interested European partners”. At the Christmas summit on December 17th and 18th, Meloni would like to have a “formally decided” decision.

Meloni's demand comes as no surprise. Finally, new negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to start in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of next week. The whole thing was initiated by the USA and could also be a small glimmer of hope from the perspective of various observers. In a few weeks it will be the fifth anniversary of the start of the war. The Russian army bombs residential buildings, civilian facilities, railway lines and electricity and energy suppliers every day. The next winter is likely to be one of the hardest for the Ukrainian population since the beginning of the war. At the same time, international arms deliveries are stalling and winter aid is also not sufficient.

In addition, there were nebulous statements made by US President Donald Trump on Thursday evening. After a meeting between a Russian and Ukrainian delegation in Washington organized by First Lady Melania Trump, Trump announced “big things.” There should soon be an agreement for Ukraine that will also have a significant impact on Europe. What this means exactly is currently unclear. After the bitter losses in the US midterm elections for Trump and the Republicans, security experts had already expected castling and major announcements in foreign policy. According to the motto: If things don't work out for Trump domestically, he will try to create a monument for himself in foreign policy. In the taz interview, security expert Claudia Major called this “legacy shopping”.

Unsurprisingly, Moscow reacted much less euphorically than Washington. However, the Kremlin also clearly addressed the Europeans and complained that they had not yet appointed a negotiator and were apparently unwilling to provide security guarantees. Meloni is also calling for an EU representative. This could actually be EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. However, it does not receive enough support within the entire EU, which is mainly due to the Middle East conflict and the Israel question. The Estonian has a clear stance on the Ukraine issue and has made this clear publicly again and again.

However, appointing individual heads of state and government is difficult within the framework of the European Union. And so finding an individual or a delegation becomes a challenge.

Meloni wisely did not bring himself or Italy into the game. This could primarily have domestic political reasons. Next year, Italians will elect a new parliament. It is already clear that this will not be easy for Meloni. The pressure on them is growing domestically. The current protests by young people across the country have impressively shown how great their frustration is with the high cost of living, gaps in the education system and Meloni's foreign policy. No money for the war, but for education, thousands of demonstrators campaigned in Milan in northern Italy around two weeks ago. And: “We are all anti-fascists.” The pressure from the street is likely to increase in the coming months. So Meloni needs answers to win over voters.

At the same time, the figurehead of a “new right” likes to portray herself as a leader, as an organizer of important decisions – the international stage is also her powerhouse. An example: Meloni doesn't believe in the so-called -3 format. These include Germany, Great Britain and France. She would rather have the E5 group – with Italy and Poland. After every E3 meeting, she never tires of commenting on this issue.

Meloni's angry letter made an immediate impression on Costa. Costa's job is the agenda at the EU summit - and next week in Dublin the EU, Ukraine and Meloni's wishes will be discussed. Achieving greater unity after just one meeting is utopian. In any case, US President Donald Trump will ensure the next revolution by then, which the Europeans will then have to devote themselves to.