Forty European states sign joint declaration on continent's security principles

In Dublin, 40 European states, including Ukraine, have signed a declaration on the foundational principles of security on the continent, firmly stipulating that any related negotiations may begin exclusively after the cessation of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The document contains provisions supporting the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and emphasises the need for reliable and convincing security guarantees for Kyiv to prevent a recurrence of aggression.

In the declaration, the parties underscore that the path to peace in Ukraine must be determined with Ukraine's participation, and European security issues with the participation of Europeans.

It is also noted that Ukraine's security is an integral part of Euro-Atlantic security.

The signatories point out that European security is based on the following documents: the North Atlantic Treaty (1949), the Statute of the Council of Europe (1949), the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of European Union (1950, 1957, 1986, 1992, etc.), the Helsinki Final Act (1975), the Charter of Paris for a New Europe (1990), the Agreement on the European Economic Area (1992) and the Istanbul Charter for European Security (1999).

States that are members of NATO reaffirm that NATO is the foundation of their collective security, and the Alliance remains the cornerstone of their collective defence.

Under the section "Risk management and reduction", the signatories state that they support discussions on further risk management and reduction mechanisms that will contribute to stability in Europe, "once the conditions are met and peace is restored in Europe". According to the document, this can take into account specific risks, both military and those arising from actions conducted below the threshold of armed aggression.

The declaration was backed by 40 European countries during the European Political Community summit in Dublin on Thursday 12 November.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, whose security is an integral part of Europe's security. We support it so that it can resist Russian aggression, return to the path of lasting peace, and preserve the freedom to choose its own destiny," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote.

Axios reported that the US proposed that Russia prepare a new draft security agreement with Europe, in which Moscow would outline not only its demands but also the steps it is prepared to take to reduce tensions.

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal also believes that by raising the topic of a new European architecture of security, Russia is trying to distract Europeans.

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, believes that a ceasefire in Russia's war against Ukraine must come before any discussions about European security architecture.