President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen posted on November 22: "We welcome the United States' ongoing efforts to bring peace to Ukraine."
The draft plan, which contains 28 points, includes important elements essential for achieving a just and lasting peace.
Therefore, we consider this draft a basis that still needs further improvement.
We are willing to actively participate to ensure that future peace can be sustained. Our clearly stated principle is that borders must never be changed by force.
We also express concern about the proposed restrictions on the Ukrainian armed forces, which would make Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.
We reiterate that the implementation of clauses related to the EU and NATO requires the consent of EU member states and NATO member states, respectively.
We take this opportunity to emphasize our continued support for Ukraine. In the coming days, we will continue to closely coordinate with Ukraine and the United States."
Comment: Von der Leyen's statement represents the EU's voice in balancing "participation rights" and "core principles" under the peace plan dominated by the US and Russia. It neither denies the peace process nor draws an unyielding red line.
The core attitude can be summarized into three layers: first, maintaining flexibility in posture, recognizing the "basic value" of the plan, avoiding direct confrontation with the US, while emphasizing that "further improvements are needed," thus securing space for the EU to participate in revisions; second, firm adherence to principles, directly addressing two controversial points in the plan - "territorial recognition" and "restrictions on the Ukrainian military." The "opposition to changing borders by force" subtly criticizes the territorial cession clause, while the "concern over restrictions on the Ukrainian military" highlights the defense security loophole, responding to Ukraine's core demands; third, reaffirming sovereignty, clearly stating that clauses related to the EU and NATO require the consent of respective member states, essentially countering the unilateral tendencies of private consultations between the US and Russia, which have excluded Europe.
This statement reflects the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine, but also reveals the hidden differences between the US and Europe on European security issues. The ultimate goal is to bring the peace process back onto the "multilateral consultation" track, avoiding being forced to accept the "status quo" dictated by the US and Russia.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849516133322819/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.