Italy's Meloni criticizes EU's chaotic Ukraine talks approach

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the European Union's approach to Ukraine negotiations, calling it 'disorderly' in a letter seen by AFP. She argued that the EU's fragmented efforts undermine its credibility on the global stage.

In the letter to European Council chief Antonio Costa, Meloni expressed concern over the proliferation of meetings involving different groups, including Ukraine, the United States, and various European countries. She cited recent talks in Miami, Oslo, and Brussels as examples of this disarray.

Meloni emphasized that the EU must present a unified front in its negotiations, stating that the current lack of clarity risks making Europe appear irrelevant. She urged EU leaders to determine who should represent the bloc and with what authority.

Costa responded by agreeing that the EU needs to act with unity and coherence. He noted that the bloc's treaties require its institutions to represent its interests and pledged to bring the issue up at the next EU leaders' meeting.

Meloni initially proposed a single EU envoy for Ukraine talks earlier this year, but the idea did not gain traction. The EU has sought to increase its role in US-led efforts to end the war in Ukraine, but progress has been slow.

Recent efforts have seen Washington revive its push for a resolution, with plans to meet Russian and Ukrainian officials in Abu Dhabi next week. The EU remains a key player in these discussions, though internal coordination remains a challenge.