About 40 countries expected to back European security declaration, draft seen by Reuters says

About 40 countries are expected to say on Thursday that any matter affecting European security should be decided with the Europeans. This is according to a draft declaration on key principles of European security seen by Reuters. Daily Sabah also reported on the draft and credited Reuters.

No part of this story has been independently confirmed. Both reports trace back to the same draft seen by Reuters.

The declaration was initiated by France's foreign minister, according to Daily Sabah, citing the draft seen by Reuters. The reports do not name the minister. The total number of signatory states was still to be finalized, Daily Sabah reported.

European leaders gathered in Dublin for a European Political Community summit, according to Daily Sabah. The outlet said the meeting took place amid debate over how Europe should approach U.S.-led talks with Russia and Ukraine.

What the draft says

Daily Sabah quoted the draft as saying: "The signatory states recall that the path to peace in Ukraine should be decided with Ukraine and that any matter affecting European security should be decided with the Europeans."

The draft also links Europe's future stability to the war, according to Daily Sabah: "They emphasize that Ukraine's security is an integral part of Euro-atlantic security and that future developments in European strategic stability will be conditional upon the conclusion of the war in Ukraine."

According to Daily Sabah, the draft supports principles including the sovereign equality of states, the inviolability of borders, the right to choose whether to join alliances, and a commitment to human rights. It states: "International law and the Charter of the United Nations are the cornerstone of this Declaration."

The draft lists common objectives, including upholding security and stability in Europe and protecting human rights and democratic systems, Daily Sabah reported. It also supports talks on "further risk management and reduction mechanisms" once "the conditions are met and peace is restored in Europe."

What each side says

• Signatory states (per the draft seen by Reuters): European security matters should be decided with Europeans, and the path to peace in Ukraine should be decided with Ukraine.
• French President Emmanuel Macron: Daily Sabah reported that Macron spoke about the declaration as he arrived at the summit. The outlet quoted him as saying: "At a time when many would like to see Europe excluded from discussions concerning its own security and stability, this declaration is extremely important because it builds on everything we have done over the past decade." He added: "But it also recognises the need for a wake-up call, for this broader Europe to act together."

What the reports do not include

The reports do not list which countries are expected to sign. They do not include the final adopted text or confirm whether the declaration was adopted. They do not include reactions from the United States, Russia or Ukraine. They do not identify whom Macron meant by those who would like to see Europe excluded.

Analysis

If adopted, the declaration would put on record a shared position that Europeans and Ukraine should take part in decisions on European security. Its practical weight is unclear. The reports do not say which states will sign, and the text is still a draft. One possible outcome is broad adoption that strengthens Europe's case for a seat in U.S.-led talks. Another is a narrower or softened text if some states hold back. Reactions from Washington, Moscow and Kyiv, which the reports do not include, may shape how the declaration is received. Its effect on any negotiations cannot be assessed from these reports.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.