Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Morning opening: Bienvenue à Paris
Jakub Krupa
Leaders from approximately 30 nations, extending beyond Europe to include nations like Turkey and Canada, are convening in Paris to solidify previous dialogues regarding the role of the “coalition of the willing” in supporting Ukraine, especially in the event of a ceasefire or peace deal facilitated by the United States.
The Eiffel Tower illuminated in the hues of the Ukrainian flag served as a poignant backdrop for the summit ahead with the coalition.
At the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron, discussions are anticipated to delve into the structure of potential security assurances for Ukraine. They will also coordinate strategies about ongoing negotiations led by the US, particularly regarding Russia’s demands to ease existing sanctions, which have been a contentious point in discussions.
During a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Macron asserted, “Russia shall have no say regarding the support we are providing and will provide to Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions,” criticizing Russia for its increasingly lengthy list of demands.
Macron indicated that European military forces might be located in key strategic towns or bases to underscore the support from several European governments and allies while emphasizing that they must be prepared to respond to any Russian aggression.
He firmly rejected any notion of lifting sanctions, asserting it was “much too early” for such discussions.
“The continuation or cessation of sanctions is contingent solely on Russia’s choice to cease its aggression and comply with international law,” he stated.
Significantly, the United States is not participating in today’s talks. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, previously dismissed the concept put forth by France and the UK, characterizing it as “a blend of posture and simplicity.”
The leaders are expected at the Élysée Palace shortly, with proceedings slated to commence at 10 AM CET (9 AM GMT).
The discussions are expected to last between two to three hours, concluding with press conferences. I will provide real-time updates on significant developments.
Today is Thursday, 27 March 2025, and this is Europe live. This is Jakub Krupa reporting.
Good morning.
Key events
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Before settling in for discussions, the leaders took a moment for a family photo, marking the beginning of the summit.
Inside the summit for “coalition of the willing” at the Élysée Palace.
Updated at 10:53 CET
Zelenskyy arrives at the Élysée as Paris talks begin
With the arrival of Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK’s Keir Starmer, the gathering is now complete, allowing discussions to commence.
President Zelenskyy was welcomed by President Macron as they prepare for the ‘Coalition Of The Willing’ summit to bolster support for Ukraine at the Élysée Palace.
Updated at 10:17 CET
Élysée arrivals – in pictures
The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, was also received by Macron. In addition, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were greeted by Macron as they arrived for the summit.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk also joined the gathering in support of Ukraine.
The Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever was the first to arrive at the Élysée Palace, followed closely by an influx of leaders.
Finland’s Alex Stubb, recognized for his influential role in the discussions, received a warm embrace from Macron as they exchanged pleasantries.
The stage is set – Élysée Palace
Media representatives gathered in anticipation of the summit at the Élysée Palace. Soldiers from the Republican Guard arrived in preparation for the significant gathering.
President Macron awaited the guests’ arrivals, indicating the gravity of the discussions ahead.
Putin shows he is not a serious player in peace talks, Starmer warns
Among the expected European leaders is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who remarked in a recent statement that “unlike President Zelenskyy, Putin has demonstrated a lack of seriousness in these peace talks.”
Starmer elaborated:
“Engaging in games regarding the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea, despite earnest participation from all parties, while also continuing to carry out damaging attacks on the Ukrainian population reflects hollow promises. President Zelenskyy has shown unwavering commitment, while Europe and the US play critical roles in defending Ukraine’s interests. It is now Putin’s turn to demonstrate his willingness to engage constructively.”
Trump announces 25% tariffs on overseas cars, threatens with further tariffs against EU
While today’s primary focus is Paris, I will also monitor the reactions to US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement concerning tariffs which have raised concerns about an intensifying trade conflict with the European Union.
Trump has revealed plans to impose a sweeping 25% tariff on imported cars just ahead of his expected announcement of additional levies on a broader range of goods.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was quick to react, stating:
I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on European automotive exports.
The automotive sector fosters innovation, competitiveness, and high-quality employment, relying on integrated supply chains across the Atlantic. As I have expressed before, tariffs equate to taxes—harmful to both businesses and consumers in the US and the EU.
We will analyze this announcement alongside other potential measures the US is considering in the coming days.
The EU will continue seeking negotiated resolutions while safeguarding its economic interests.
German Finance Minister Robert Habeck emphasized the necessity for the EU to respond decisively to the tariffs, reiterating a strong stance against the US.
The German automobile industry association VDA labeled the tariff imposition a “fatal signal” for global trade and called for immediate negotiations with the US.
French Finance Minister Eric Lombard deemed the new policy as “very concerning and unfriendly” and supported the discussion of raising tariffs on American products in retaliation.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares suggested a more pragmatic approach by encouraging consumers to purchase Spanish or European-manufactured vehicles.
Despite this outcry, Trump continued to threaten the EU with further tariff actions, implying in a recent post that if the EU collaborates with Canada to undermine the US economy, he would implement “far larger than currently planned” tariffs as a form of retaliation.
If the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA, large scale Tariffs, far larger than currently planned, will be placed on them both in order to protect the best friend that each of those two countries has ever had!
Source
www.theguardian.com