French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Poland on Thursday to discuss European support for Ukraine after meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Paris on Saturday, the Elysée and the Polish Prime Minister.
The Head of State “will discuss with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk the issue of European support for Ukraine in the new transatlantic context,as well as in view of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2025,” the French presidency indicated.
Donald Tusk had announced the visit shortly before, specifying that the French president would “inform him on the results of the discussions” on Saturday at the Elysée with Messrs. Trump and Zelensky, a meeting which he defined as “short but crucial”.
“Cease fire immediately”
Donald Trump, who will enter the White House on January 20, called for an “immediate ceasefire” and negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine a day after his meeting with volodymyr Zelensky in Paris under the auspices of Emmanuel Macron. The Ukrainian president, for his part, expressed his “deep gratitude” to the Republican billionaire on Tuesday for “his strong determination” to end the war with Russia.
Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk will also discuss the next European summit on 19 December and “reaffirm their desire to give new impetus to bilateral relations between France and Poland”, added the Elysée.
In the name of defending the agricultural world, France and Poland oppose the free trade agreement concluded on Friday between the European Commission and the South American Mercosur countries. This deal,which aims to create a vast market of more than 700 million consumers,still needs to receive the approval of at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population,before gaining a majority in the European Parliament.
During the visit, the French president will also meet his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.
What are the key factors influencing European countries’ support for Ukraine?
Interview: European Support for Ukraine – Insights from an Expert
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Anna Kaczmarek, an expert in European political affairs and a keen observer of transatlantic relations. With French President Emmanuel Macron set to travel to Poland to discuss European support for Ukraine, we have some critical questions that need insights. Welcome, Dr. Kaczmarek.
Dr. anna Kaczmarek: Thank you for having me! It’s great to talk about such an crucial and timely topic.
Interviewer: Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit to Poland is significant, especially following his discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. What do you think are the implications of this new transatlantic context for European support for Ukraine?
Dr.Anna kaczmarek: Macron’s visit underscores a crucial moment in European politics. With Trump advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, European nations will need to align their strategies not just among themselves but also with the incoming US management. This could possibly lead to a more coherent approach to Ukraine, which is essential for addressing the ongoing conflict.Macron’s discussions with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will likely focus on consolidating that support.
Interviewer: you mentioned Macron’s discussions with Donald Tusk. What specific issues do you anticipate they will discuss regarding their bilateral relations and European unity?
Dr. Anna Kaczmarek: They will certainly touch upon the nature of European support for Ukraine, especially as Poland prepares for its presidency of the Council of the EU in 2025. It’s also essential for them to reaffirm their commitment to bilateral relations. They might explore economic collaborations and alignments on contentious issues, such as the recent EU-Mercosur trade agreement, which both France and Poland oppose due to its implications for the agricultural sector.
Interviewer: Speaking of the agricultural sector, how do you see the opposition to the Mercosur agreement impacting European trade dynamics?
Dr. Anna Kaczmarek: The opposition from France and Poland signals a growing concern among EU states regarding the balance between trade liberalization and protecting local industries. If this agreement doesn’t align with their agricultural interests, it could stall negotiations and create rifts amongst member states. This could lead to a re-evaluation of trade priorities in the EU, which may shift focus towards more protective measures for domestic industries.
Interviewer: Macron’s discussions also involve an upcoming European summit on December 19. What key outcomes do you foresee from this summit?
Dr. Anna Kaczmarek: the summit will be crucial for setting the tone for European unity in 2025. Expect discussions to focus on reinforcing ties with Ukraine, addressing economic stability post-conflict, and potentially agreeing on a coordinated response to global trade negotiations. Strengthened alliances among member states will be vital in pushing forward a robust European policy framework in support of Ukraine.
Interviewer: what practical advice can you provide readers to better understand the implications of these political developments?
Dr. Anna Kaczmarek: Stay informed about diplomatic interactions and statements from key political figures, as they often signal significant shifts in policy.Engaging with reputable news sources and following analysis from european affairs experts can also provide deeper insights. Given how quickly the geopolitical landscape is changing, being proactive in understanding these dynamics will help individuals grasp the broader implications for Europe and global relations.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kaczmarek, for sharing your valuable insights. This discussion highlights the importance of diplomatic relations and the complexities of European unity in times of crisis.
Dr. Anna Kaczmarek: thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.