European Political Community sends message of support to Ukraine

Chișinău, 1 June 2023

EUROPEAN POLITICAL COMMUNITY

THE PRESIDENT – I am pleased to be back with you. Thank you for your patience. I would like to say a few words following this second Summit of the European Political Community. Firstly, to say how pleased I am that this project that we launched a little over a year ago now, on 9 May last year, at the European Parliament, has continued to prosper and come to fruition since the Prague Summit we held in October. This second Summit of the European Political Community demonstrates, I believe, the relevance of this idea and the strength of this format collectively. And I see many colleagues who sometimes had their doubts but are now convinced.

So I would like to start by congratulating President Maia Sandu and Moldova for the organization of this summit. It was an organizational challenge and an immense success. Some 47 heads and State and government have come, representing this political Europe, this community. Above all, the very organization of this second summit in Moldova, holding it, if you will, at the very gates of our Europe, right near, indeed, the Ukrainian front, is also a marvellous success and demonstration of the determination we all share, and of Moldova’s commitment to its European path. It is a very strong symbol in itself that shows that we will abandon no member of the European family and which demonstrates the great strength and vitality of Moldova’s European anchorage.

UKRAINE

So this summit was obviously an opportunity to reaffirm our support to Ukraine, which has been subject to Russian aggression for over a year. I spoke this morning with President Zelenskyy. We released a joint statement reaffirming our support, of course in terms of armaments, in preparing the counteroffensive. We reiterated our agreement, concluded on 14 May 2023, which again concerned protective systems addressing Russian strikes, with air defence equipment. And we confirmed that we were also prepared to establish the framework required to begin training Ukrainian fighter pilots, based on the needs of the Ukrainian air force. As you know, France set this movement in motion. And given the parallel consultations with the United States and other willing countries, we have instructed our Defence Ministers to prepare the formal framework and training mechanism for pilots and mechanics, which will be done on the basis of the needs expressed by the Ukrainians. We also, and I can come back to this, if you wish, discussed the issue of NATO security guarantees at length. And so our work has enabled strong coordination between Europeans, in particular to prepare the Vilnius Summit.

MOLDOVA/EU

The second point is support to Moldova. As I was saying, the very organization of this summit is a demonstration, but we have all been able to discuss this. France took part in the logistical and airport management aspects, and matters relating to the communication and security of this summit. Further information will be available if you wish. But our support is also visible very tangibly when it comes to the Moldovan people, in addition to everything we have done within the European Union in recent months, such as the deployment of the civilian CSDP mission to fight hybrid threats, the adoption of a European sanctions regime against individuals seeking to destabilize Moldova, and association with the Connecting Europe Facility.

I am delighted that, precisely, the preparation of this second Summit of the European Political Community enabled the signing yesterday with President Maia Sandu of an agreement to reduce roaming charges between the European Union and Moldova. It is a very tangible agreement that will expand the roaming between Europeans with the European Union to Moldova. So it is a very clear initiative, achieved thanks to the efforts of the European Commission and of our telecoms, including Orange, as lead company, which I would like to thank particularly.

PROTECTION AGAINST CYBER ATTACKS AND DISINFORMATION

Today’s work has included a strategic discussion, and I would like to take this opportunity, above and beyond the security, migration and energy issues discussed here, to highlight some tangible initiatives that were adopted and that will be followed up on in the coming months. In the face of the cyber attacks several countries are facing, we have decided to extend the cyber reserve to all countries within the European Political Community that wish to participate. This cyber reserve, which we launched within the European Union, provides the ability to develop common centres of expertise to protect ourselves from cyber attacks. We have decided to extend the reserve, precisely by developing centres of excellence in several willing countries within the European Political Community.

That is the same decision we made for protection of critical infrastructure, as addressed at the Prague Summit. We have a methodology and protection systems that we have established within the European Union. We have decided to extend them to all members of the European Political Community that wish so.

On a third point, we have identified the need to better protect public opinions in our countries from disinformation, and, indeed, intrusions and use of social media for foreign propaganda purposes. On this point, coordination work has begun to prepare tangible decisions and mechanisms, also, for discussions with platforms in the coming months.

This summit also saw coordination in various formats. I will come back to this in the questions if you wish, but Federal Chancellor Scholz and I have continued the work we began in previous meetings, in light of the events in northern Kosovo in recent days. Firstly, we have seen President Osmani, then President Vučić, and we just had a four-way meeting where we brought both Presidents to the table, urging clear decisions for next week. I can come back to this in the questions, if you wish.

ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN

With President Michel and Chancellor Scholz, we also brought together Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev to continue the process underway between their two countries and enable, once again, pacification between Armenia and Azerbaijan – but one that is respectful of the sovereignty of each and the security of their populations, as well as of minorities, which is of the utmost importance to us.

These two subjects illustrate that our Europe, in order to keep moving forward in the context of this war in Ukraine, needs to settle the conflicts and destabilizing situations that remain. That is our duty, and it is essential for our collective security. We have done so with the respect that everyone owes all members, but with very strong, genuine commitment on this agenda, particularly on the part of France and Germany. One last word, to reiterate and stress how essential this format, this Community that we have been building together in recent months is, at a time when our continent faces the most serious challenges.

This Community, on an equal footing as we are 47 similar countries, is a means to address challenges together, and not simply with a centre that looks out on a periphery, if you will. Because that is how we see things when we look out from Brussels sometimes, when we discuss matters from an accession perspective. Here, we are on an equal footing and it is an absolutely, genuinely intergovernmental approach. It is, I believe, a very political Europe that is needed to address these challenges. We will continue with the same spirit of solidarity, respect and unity in Granada in October, as it is the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union that will organize the third Summit of the European Political Community, then in spring in the United Kingdom, which will organize the fourth. I will now answer any questions you would like to ask.

UKRAINE

Q. – We are a few kilometres from Ukraine. We are also very close to a Russian base in the heart of Moldova. What message do you have for Vladimir Putin tonight? Chancellor Scholz, for his part, recently declared that he was ready to resume contact with the Russian President when the time was right. When will the time be right? When do you think you will be able to resume contact with him? President Zelenskyy, meanwhile, asked today for a very clear signal to be sent to his country, at the NATO Summit, on the fact that it would be allowed to join the Alliance as soon as the war was over. Do you think he will get that signal in Vilnius, and will France support his request?

THE PRESIDENT – Thank you for your questions. Firstly, France has always been prepared to talk to everyone. And as you know, I have spoken with President Putin on several occasions since the start of the conflict. If the opportunity arises, and depending on the content, I am prepared to do so again. There is currently no basis for a useful discussion. If civil nuclear issues, like the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia plant require it or if there are progress or overtures that enable or justify restoring contact, I will do so without hesitation. Similarly, we have never stopped talking to all countries that can play a useful role, whether or not they have supported Ukraine from the outset, precisely to expand our support base and avoid any partitioning of the world.

Next, the message we have sent to Russia here is clear. It is a message of unity and unanimous and clear support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their counter-offensive, to obtain security guarantees and, ultimately, to build lasting peace – meaning peace that respects international law and the conditions determined by Ukraine. I believe the Vilnius Summit needs to send a very clear message of support to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. As I said yesterday, I am personally in favour of stronger, tangible and very clear security guarantees. We will have to coordinate to prepare the Vilnius Summit and we will also have to give longer-term perspectives to Ukraine. That is what we need to prepare. It is essential for the Vilnius Summit to give this strong guarantee, new and credible guarantees, and a new perspective to Ukraine and, once again, to send a clear message to Russia in the current context.

MOLDOVA/EU MEMBERSHIP

Q. – Good evening, Mr President. The Moldovan authorities have declared that Moldova must become a member of the European Union in 2030. Is that realistic in your view? Will Moldova be ready that year to become a member of the European Union? Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT – Firstly, I would like to say how proud I am, personally, that under the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we made the step forward of granting Moldova candidate status. That was a very clear choice, saying, at the same time as we made this gesture for Ukraine, that we could not leave Moldova by the wayside, given its geography and the geopolitical realities on your territory, as well as the courage with which you have faced this conflict from the outset, along with destabilizations linked to both energy and the humanitarian situation. I also see the courage and clarity with which President Maia Sandu is implementing reforms, fighting corruption, improving the economic environment, fostering the work and independence of the media, and strengthening the justice system, for example. I have great confidence in the ability of your country, under her authority, to make swift progress on this path. As I was saying in Bratislava yesterday, I personally believe that we, as Europeans, need to shoulder our responsibilities and speed up enlargement, on a clear basis, while very profoundly changing the nature of our expanded union.

KOSOVO/SERBIA

Q. – A question on the conflict between Kosovo and Serbia. If I understand rightly, there will be a meeting next week with Chancellor Scholz and the Presidents of Serbia and Kosovo, whom you mentioned just now.

On the conflict itself, what is its impact on the European perspectives of Serbia, and are you joining the American appeal for immediate de-escalation?

And to come back to my colleague’s question as to security guarantees for Ukraine, what exactly might such security guarantees based on the Israeli model that you mentioned in Bratislava yesterday look like? You mentioned an emerging consensus? Is there currently a consensus with Germany and among your main European partners?

THE PRESIDENT – Firstly, we are working on this subject of security guarantees for Ukraine very closely with Chancellor Scholz and all our European partners. And I will be visiting Germany next Tuesday, for more in-depth discussions with the Chancellor, including on this matter. Yes, we wish to build fundamental guarantees that are clear and stronger than what we have today. As I was saying yesterday, they are in a space between the level of guarantee given to the Israelis and everything that goes with full membership of NATO, which is not currently possible. We will discuss perspectives later. But I think it is in this space that we need to build something credible and strong. A very clear message of support and immediate guarantee is needed, with clear perspectives.

Chancellor Scholz and I saw President Vučić, then President Osmani, this morning, and then brought them together. As you know, France and Germany proposed a plan, accepted by both parties, a few weeks ago, under the supervision and authority of the European Union and High Representative Borrell. That plan is, I believe, a real step forward. It now needs implementing.

Tensions emerged in northern Kosovo last week, linked to the unfortunate organization of elections when guarantees of good functioning were not provided. Four mayors were elected by less than 5% of eligible voters. Those are clearly not conditions of legitimacy, and there has been escalating violence.

I would like to express our full support to those who were injured during these events, particularly NATO soldiers. What we asked of both parties is very simple: organization of new elections in these four areas as soon as possible, commitment on the part of Kosovo, clear participation in these elections on the Serbian side, and settlement as a priority, immediately, by Kosovo, of the issue of Association of Serbian Municipalities.

That is the substance and, to put things most simply, what we urged, and now each party will consult with its leaders and will come back next week with clear answers. At the same time, High Representative Borrell will have the opportunity to hold a meeting with the ministers of both sides, precisely on the issue of the Association of Serbian Municipalities.

UKRAINE/MOLDOVA/EU MEMBERSHIP

Q. – President Macron, how realistic is it for Paris to become one of the main advocates for Moldova in the process of the EU accession?

THE PRESIDENT – We are probably one of the best advocates of this process. First, because we did support the recognition of your candidate status. Second, because we did support the decision of your President to organize this second summit of the European Political Community and we did accompany your country. And third, because we do support all the reforms made by your President and your administration. I think it’s not just realistic, this is exactly a matter of fact. And indeed, our willingness is that your country maintains this path of reforms and this ambition. I think you are on the right path. I think you are delivering incredible policies and you have incredible results, especially in this very moment. And we do admire what is done here to fight against corruption, to create a better business condition, to pass a lot of reforms for media, for justice and so on. So I do believe that you will succeed on this path by following this method.

Q. – Good evening. The logical conclusion of what you just said about enlargement, that it should go as quickly as possible, would be that France would support the opening of negotiations this year with Ukraine and Moldova, on EU accession, of course. Is that the case? Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT – As you know, firstly, we are waiting for the report the Commission will deliver in autumn, but I think we are now entering a very political phase. As I said yesterday at the GLOBSEC Bratislava Forum, I believe we need to take on board the fact that today, our European Union needs to act as an anchor for the Western Balkans, Moldova and Ukraine in our geopolitical space, and we need to conceive ourselves fully as a democratic power. In doing so, what is essential is to clarify again the purposes of our European Union and how it works. We have already changed, and the last, substantial enlargement, changed the nature of our Union. So we need to lift these ambiguities and accept that the Union will be enlarged, and be geopolitical. We need to clarify once more and at the same time simplify competencies and purposes and then accept that certain members, in a system that needs to be open, might decide to go further, have a more community-focused policy and be more integrated, within the Union. We need a much freer spirit, but this is the time for geopolitical ambition. It is the time to reinvent our frameworks. We already function too slowly with 27 members. Nobody can seriously say that we will function better with eight more. That would be false. And so, while we need to speed up opening up the Union, we will also need to step up the ambition of reforms, simplify matters and clarify our aims. That is in any case the agenda I will pursue in the coming months. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, and once again, congratulations to Moldova for this perfectly organized summit./.

¹ Source of English text: Elysée Palace.