Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s conservative opposition and chancellor candidate for the CDU/CSU alliance, has called for the creation of a European contact group to unify the bloc’s approach to ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking in Kyiv on 9 December 2024, Merz outlined his vision for a coalition involving Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Poland, which would present a united European front in negotiations with the United States.
The proposal, which received support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, comes at a critical juncture in the conflict as Europe prepares for potential policy shifts following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
Merz’s Proposal: A United European Voice
During his visit to Kyiv, Merz underscored the importance of Europe adopting a cohesive strategy in addressing the war in Ukraine, which has entered its third year.
“In the upcoming weeks and months, Europe must have a unified approach to ending the war in Ukraine without individual peace plans,” Merz stated.
He argued that presenting a consolidated vision to the U.S. leadership is essential to ensuring European interests are considered in any peace negotiations.
Zelensky welcomed Merz’s proposal and highlighted Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to establish a similar platform. “We have already organised such a group,” Zelensky said, adding that Denmark, representing the Nordic countries, would also participate. The first meeting of this expanded forum is scheduled for later this month.
The Timing and Context of the Proposal
Merz’s initiative comes as Europe braces for potential changes in U.S. foreign policy following Trump’s electoral victory. During his campaign, Trump promised to bring a quick end to the war by pushing for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. Reports suggest his strategy may involve reducing military aid to Ukraine as a way to pressure both sides into talks.
Trump’s approach has raised concerns in Europe, where leaders fear a premature settlement could leave Ukraine vulnerable and fail to address the root causes of the conflict. European countries, particularly those bordering Russia, have consistently emphasised the need for a robust and united stance to counter Russian aggression.
The proposal also aligns with Merz’s broader strategy as he campaigns to replace Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose coalition government has fractured ahead of snap elections in February 2025. By positioning himself as a leader capable of uniting Europe on critical security issues, Merz seeks to strengthen his appeal both domestically and internationally.
The Role of Key European Players
The inclusion of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Poland in the proposed contact group reflects their strategic importance in European security and their respective relationships with Ukraine.
- Germany: As Europe’s largest economy, Germany has played a pivotal role in providing military and financial support to Ukraine. However, Berlin’s approach has been criticised for perceived hesitancy in sending advanced weaponry, reflecting internal divisions over its historical stance on military intervention.
- France: French President Emmanuel Macron has taken an active role in European diplomacy, including efforts to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv. However, Macron’s calls for dialogue with Russia have sometimes sparked criticism, particularly from Eastern European countries wary of Moscow’s intentions.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the U.K. has sought to assert itself as a key player in European security. London has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters, providing significant military aid and advocating for tougher sanctions against Russia.
- Poland: As a frontline state, Poland has been a vocal proponent of a hardline approach to Russia. Warsaw has also borne the brunt of the refugee crisis triggered by the war, hosting millions of displaced Ukrainians and pushing for greater EU support.
Denmark’s participation as a representative of the Nordic countries reflects the growing involvement of Northern Europe in supporting Ukraine, particularly through contributions to reconstruction and defence initiatives.
Challenges to a Unified Approach
While the idea of a unified European strategy is widely supported, significant challenges remain. Diverging national interests, historical relationships with Russia, and varying levels of military and economic commitment to Ukraine have complicated efforts to achieve cohesion within the EU. Additionally, the spectre of a fragmented European response looms large as some countries continue to advocate for distinct approaches to the conflict.
The looming Trump presidency adds another layer of complexity. European leaders worry that Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy could lead to decisions that prioritise U.S. interests over those of its allies, potentially undermining European unity.
Background on the Russia-Ukraine War
The war in Ukraine began in February 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion, following years of escalating tensions after Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, the displacement of millions, and widespread destruction across Ukraine.
The war has also had profound implications for European security. It has prompted NATO to bolster its eastern flank, accelerated efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy, and underscored the importance of transatlantic cooperation.
Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy has extended beyond the battlefield, with efforts to destabilise Europe through energy blackmail, disinformation campaigns, and fostering political divisions. The resulting influx of Ukrainian refugees—estimated at over 7 million—has tested Europe’s capacity to respond to humanitarian crises while fuelling political debates about migration and security.
Next Steps
The success of Merz’s proposal will depend on whether Europe can overcome its internal divisions and present a cohesive stance in negotiations with the U.S. and Russia. The upcoming forum, which includes Denmark and other European partners, offers a potential platform to coordinate these efforts.
For Ukraine, maintaining strong European support is critical as it continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. For Europe, the stakes are equally high: achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine is essential to safeguarding regional stability and upholding the principles of international law.
This article was originally published on EU Global News
Read also:
