An informal summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Versailles on Thursday and Friday for European Union heads of state and government as Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine rages. European defense policy on the table in the light of new data created by the Russian invasion of the security environment, as well as the request for Ukraine's accession to the EU.
The summit was announced by Emanuel Macron in a speech he delivered on March 3, speaking of a “change of era” following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, noting that “democracy is being challenged before our eyes” and that “our freedom is no longer a given.” . He had said he would stay in touch “as long as he can and as needed” with the Russian president to prevent “escalation of this conflict”.
“Europe's defense must take the next step. On 10 and 11 March in Versailles, I will bring together the European Heads of State and Government for a meeting to discuss these issues. Europe has shown unity and determination. It has entered a new era. We must move forward, “said Emanuel Macron.” p>Emanuel Macron, whose country holds the reins of the rotating EU Council presidency, said in a televised interview Sunday that the situation in Ukraine is deteriorating daily, France will support Ukraine by all means, but also that wants to end the war without being directly involved.
In addition to the barrage of sanctions against Russia aimed at the international isolation of Vladimir Putin and the “war machine” of Russia, as stated by the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union for the first time in its history has also received funding the arms market for a warring country. Volodymyr Zelensky calls for a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Charles Michel's communication with Putin and Zelensky
Continued close contact with President @ZelenskyyUa
The #EU stands firmly by #Ukraine’s side in efforts to alleviate humanitarian suffering inflicted by Russia’s aggression and ensure nuclear safety.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) March 7, 2022
With the war in Ukraine now entering On the 12th day and escalating, at the same time the telephone communications of foreign leaders with the Russian president, who remains steadfast.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, also had contact with Vladimir Putin, the first since the beginning of the invasion, on Monday, after which he also spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
In the middle of the war, the Zelensky government formally submitted a candidacy accession to the European Union, with the European Parliament subsequently adopting by an overwhelming majority a resolution calling for Ukraine to be granted candidate status.
“The EU's solidarity, friendship and unprecedented assistance to Ukraine are unwavering. “We will discuss Ukraine's accession in the next few days,” said Charles Michel, speaking after a meeting with Zelensky. the examination of the applications of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova to join the European bloc.
Under the procedure, the Commission will have to formulate its official position and the “27” will then be called upon to make the final decision before lengthy and complicated negotiations begin.
As for his telephone communication Charles Michel and Vladimir Putin, the president of the European Council, said in a Twitter post that “the tragic situation in Ukraine was discussed”, stressing that “the EU strongly condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine”.
Charles Michel called for an immediate end to hostilities and for the passage of humanitarian aid. The need to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities in Ukraine in the midst of hostilities was also highlighted. They also agreed to stay in touch.
EU Council President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky followed up with Sar Michel reiterating that the EU stands firmly by Ukraine in its efforts to alleviate human tensions. The Kremlin said in a telephone conversation with European Council President Vladimir Putin that the EU was urging the authorities in Kyiv to “respect humanitarian action.” The Kremlin added in a statement that the humanitarian aspects of the situation in Ukraine had been discussed and that Putin had briefed Michel on Russia's talks with Ukrainian officials.
