EU institutions, E5 to represent Europe in Ukraine peace talks-Xinhua - 新华网

DUBLIN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) leaders agreed on Friday that EU institutions and the E5 group of the Coalition of the Willing would form Europe's team for negotiations on peace in Ukraine, European Council President Antonio Costa said.

Speaking after an informal EU leaders' meeting in Dublin, Costa said the European negotiating team would act in close coordination and unity, stressing that Europe must speak with "one clear and united voice" in discussions concerning Ukraine's future and European security.

He stressed that the EU has "a central role in discussing Ukraine's European future, its reconstruction and prosperity," and security guarantees for Ukraine should be discussed "within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing, in close coordination with NATO."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement, saying the European team would include the European Council, the European Commission and the E5, including Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Poland.

"We decide on who represents us, and that's what we've done today," she said, adding that Europe wanted to safeguard its interests and support Ukraine in the negotiations.

On further assistance to Ukraine, Costa said EU leaders would discuss the country's financing needs for next year and beyond at the next European Council meeting on Nov. 26 to 27. ■