Countries within the European Union pledge "security assurances" to Ukraine
The European Union (EU) has declared its commitment to providing robust security guarantees for Ukraine, aiming to uphold the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity without imposing any limitations on its armed forces or cooperation with third countries.
In a joint declaration signed by all EU countries except Hungary, the heads of state and government reaffirmed their stance against any unilateral changes to Ukraine's borders and against changing Ukraine's borders by force. The EU, in coordination with allies including the US and the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," has pledged to provide "Article 5-like" security guarantees—similar to NATO's mutual defense clause—with specific backing to make Ukraine a "steel porcupine," meaning robustly resistant to aggression.
The guarantees involve a multifaceted approach, combining military support, political backing, and integration efforts. The EU, through mechanisms like the SAFE instrument, will support Ukraine's defense needs and strengthen its defense industry, notably including drone technology. The EU also supports Ukraine's ongoing pursuit of EU membership, seen as another form of security guarantee.
The EU's approach complements US efforts, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading a commission to detail these guarantees alongside Ukrainian and European officials. The participation in the security guarantees will occur according to the respective competencies and capabilities of each EU member state.
The declaration underscores the importance of Ukraine's involvement in deciding the path to peace. The EU acknowledges the efforts of US President Donald Trump to end the Russian war of aggression. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine.
The EU's commitment to upholding international borders is also evident in the declaration. The independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine are non-negotiable, and any changes to these principles must not be made by force. The security guarantees will be made with due regard for the security and defense interests of all member states.
In accelerating efforts to increase European defense capabilities, the EU acknowledges its responsibility to defend Europe. The guarantees mark a significant step towards a more robust European defense framework, providing durable and credible protection for Ukraine's security interests.
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