EU Should Appoint Single Special Envoy for Russia Negotiations, Says Tajani

Antonio Tajani, Italy's Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister, called on Thursday for the European Union to appoint a single special envoy to represent it in potential negotiations with Russia aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a press briefing following an European People's Party (EPP) meeting ahead of an EU summit, Tajani emphasized the need for unified EU representation in any talks with Moscow. "We need a single special envoy for Europe in any negotiations with Russia," Tajani said. "That person must be chosen by all 27 member states; we need a single voice representing Europe." The proposal reflects concerns among EU leaders about maintaining coordinated diplomatic efforts on the Ukraine conflict. Tajani's remarks come amid ongoing discussions about potential peace initiatives, with former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi—who also previously served as Italian Prime Minister—being mentioned as a possible candidate for the envoy position. The appointment of such a figure would require consensus among all 27 EU member states to ensure legitimacy and unified backing for any diplomatic mission.