European leaders meeting in Dublin agreed on a negotiating team composed of European Union institutions and the E5 coalition of willing nations to represent the continent in upcoming talks on the war in Ukraine.
The Dublin Agreement on the E5 Negotiating Team
During an informal European Council summit on November 13, 2026, held at the Convention Centre on the banks of the River Liffey, the 27 member states agreed on a structured delegation to participate in peace negotiations. European Council President António Costa announced that the team brings together EU institutions alongside five major European governments: France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Italy.
Three concordant sources reported to Adnkronos that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should also participate, though a fourth diplomatic source disputed this inclusion, arguing that security guarantees are provided by the E3 and that the alliance has no role at the table because Vladimir Putin would never negotiate with NATO.
The decision resolves months of internal division over how Europe should organize its diplomatic representation. Ukrainian leaders had previously pressed the Union to designate a single negotiator, while major continental powers debated the appropriate framework.
The newly formed E5 structure bypasses proposals for a standalone envoy while securing formal roles for key national capitals alongside the European Commission and the Council. The framework emerged following meetings held near Dublin by United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, after their discussions in Moscow.
Disputes Over Representation and Institutional Roles
The path to the Dublin decision involved discussions among leaders regarding who should represent Europe in negotiations. High Representative Kaja Kallas argued that existing institutional frameworks already provided the necessary channels.
“All member states have indeed agreed that I am the one who represents Europe on foreign policy and security matters” Kallas maintained, emphasizing that the Union possesses established institutions rather than needing an ad hoc envoy modelled on American diplomatic practices. La Stampa reported that Melz argued the content determines the format, while other officials viewed her positions as a potential obstacle to compromise.
Jared Kushner has finally admitted what I was already saying a year and a half ago: any agreement between Russia and Ukraine and its implementation also require the Europeans. That is why the Europeans must be at the table, but I hope we do not just sit at the table and that we truly influence the outcome of these negotiations.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative
There are too many formats, it is not just a question of name but of mandate
Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister
Other leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, argued that a proliferation of uncoordinated diplomatic formats undermined the credibility of the Union. Meloni stressed that discussions must address too many formats and mandates rather than merely distributing diplomatic titles.
Bilateral Talks and Financial Commitments in Ireland
Alongside the institutional debate, leaders addressed practical support for Kyiv. Meloni held a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss air defense supplies, missile provisions, and military equipment. Zelensky noted the importance of ongoing contributions to protect civilian infrastructure.
On the financial front, the European Council advanced discussions on economic backing, moving toward a 90 billion euro loan package for Ukraine to address funding requirements for 2027 while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen prepared the twenty-second package of sanctions against Russia, as detailed by ANSA.
I welcome the renewed momentum to move things forward to a just and lasting peace. A strong European presence is important. We have agreed on a European team – E5 plus EU Institutions. We will defend both Ukraine’s and Europe's interests. pic.twitter.com/JMXUCQRzaS
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia has not yet formally consented to wider European participation until Moscow discerns a sincere intention to contribute to a peace process.
