European Security and Ukraine: Key European Leaders to Meet in Paris on Monday

President Emmanuel Macron will host a meeting in Paris on Monday, February 17, bringing together the leaders of key European countries for discussions on continental security, amid ongoing negotiations over Ukraine’s future.

A High-Level Meeting on European Security

This informal meeting, confirmed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, will gather the leaders of Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Also attending will be the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the Secretary General of NATO.

The meeting follows the Munich Security Conference, where tensions between the United States and Europe were heightened, particularly regarding support for Ukraine. “A wind of unity is blowing across Europe like we haven’t felt since the COVID period,” emphasized Jean-Noël Barrot.

Europeans at the Forefront of Securing Peace

Amid uncertainty over the U.S. position, the minister reaffirmed that Europe will play a key role in resolving the conflict:

“Only the Ukrainians can decide to stop fighting, and we will support them as long as they have not made that decision. They will never stop unless they are sure that the peace being offered to them is lasting. Who will provide the guarantees? It will be the Europeans.”

Jean-Noël Barrot also stressed the need for Europe to assert itself against external pressures:

“We do not need lessons on freedom of expression, and we will not be intimidated. We will protect our democracy and public debate—these are our most precious assets, even if they remain fragile.”

This Paris meeting is set to be a crucial moment for European coordination on security matters and support for Ukraine.