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Diplomatic summit in Warsaw: Foreign Ministers discuss Europe's future

19.11.2024 11:33
A meeting of the foreign ministers of Poland, France, Germany, and Italy is taking place in the historic Palace on the Isle in Łazienki Park, with remote participation from the foreign ministers of Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as the future EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
Warsaw, November 19, 2024  Foreign ministers from the EUs Big Five met in Poland. Pictured, from left to right: Jean-Nol Barrot (France), Antonio Tajani (Italy), Radosław Sikorski (Poland), Annalena Baerbock (Germany), and Kaja Kallas (Estonia), the incoming EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
Warsaw, November 19, 2024 – Foreign ministers from the EU's "Big Five" met in Poland. Pictured, from left to right: Jean-Noël Barrot (France), Antonio Tajani (Italy), Radosław Sikorski (Poland), Annalena Baerbock (Germany), and Kaja Kallas (Estonia), the incoming EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs. PAP/Marcin Obara

The debate on Europe's future involves the foreign ministers of the so-called EU "Big Five" (France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy) and the United Kingdom.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski welcomed the foreign ministers of Germany – Annalena Baerbock, France – Jean-Noël Barrot, and Italy – Antonio Tajani to Warsaw. Participants joining the discussion virtually include Spain’s FM Jose Manuel Albares and UK’s FM David Lammy.

An invitation was also extended to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, though Minister Sikorski acknowledged that, due to Andriy Sybiha’s stay in the United States, his participation might not be possible.

Ukraine's involvement highlighted in crucial regional discussion, says Minister Sikorski

Minister Sikorski emphasized that Ukraine was invited because Poland follows the principle of "nothing about us without us," and in this case, "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine."

The meeting, organized by Radosław Sikorski, aims to address the most important issues for the region, particularly those related to the war in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical situation.

In addition to discussing the war sparked by Russia in Ukraine, the politicians will also talk about Europe's defense and transatlantic relations. The meeting also aims to prepare Europe for potential political changes following the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.

FM Sikorski hosts key debate on Europe's future

On Monday, Poland's top diplomat participated in a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. On his return to Warsaw, he recorded an invitation for today’s debate, which is being held in the historic building of the Palace on the Water in Łazienki Park.

Minister Sikorski emphasized that on Tuesday, Poland will be the decision-making heart of the continent, and the main goal of the planned discussions is to foster cooperation for a united and stronger Europe.

Source: IAR/PAP/X/@PolandMFA/@sikorskiradek

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