EU faces crucial decision: Who may lead Europe in Trump-Putin peace talks?

With 40 diverse member states and varying political views, Europe must find a single representative capable of engaging with global leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

As Europe grapples with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the need for a unified front has never been more pressing, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The European Union's current structure—with multiple "presidents" and national leaders—has historically struggled to present a cohesive voice on the world stage. As peace talks over Ukraine intensify, Europe's failure to select a unified leader may prove costly.

President Trump, who is guiding the early stages of these peace talks, is unlikely to entertain multiple European representatives at the table. Given the stakes of the negotiations, the EU must select one leader who can speak for the continent, balancing relationships with key players like Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy. While several candidates have emerged, France's President Emmanuel Macron stands out as the most plausible choice.

Macron’s experience with Trump, his vision for "strategic autonomy" for Europe, and his firm stance on Russia position him as a strong contender. However, some European hawks remain skeptical, particularly regarding his approach to Russia before the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Poland’s former Prime Minister Donald Tusk, another potential candidate, is respected for his understanding of the Russian threat and his alignment with the Trump administration. 

However, Poland’s reluctance to send troops to Ukraine complicates Tusk’s candidacy, and his relationship with key European powers is less secure than Macron’s. Ultimately, Emmanuel Macron appears to be Europe’s most viable leader for the role, having already engaged with both European counterparts and President Trump in high-level discussions. 

Despite concerns from some factions, Macron’s leadership offers Europe the best chance of navigating the complexities of the ongoing conflict and peace talks. As global tensions escalate, a single, strong voice from Europe may prove essential to securing a meaningful role in the negotiations.

By Naila Huseynova