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Jun 18, 20261
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EU Should Appoint Single Special Envoy for Russia Negotiations, Says Tajani

Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for the EU to appoint a single special envoy chosen by all 27 member states to represent the bloc in potential negotiations with Russia over the Ukraine war. Former ECB President Mario Draghi has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the role.





Quick Facts
Who
Antonio Tajani
What
Called for appointment of single EU special envoy
When
Thursday
Where
European Union
- Called for appointment of single EU special envoy
- Emphasized need for unified EU voice in Russia talks
- Proposed envoy must be chosen by all 27 member states
- Discussed potential role for Mario Draghi
- Antonio 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.
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Why This Matters
This proposal addresses a critical challenge for EU diplomacy: maintaining a unified negotiating position on Ukraine amid 27 diverse member states with varying interests. A single special envoy could strengthen Europe's hand in any future talks with Russia, reduce fragmentation, and ensure consistent messaging. For readers following EU policy and Ukraine developments, this signals concrete steps toward coordinated European strategy on one of the continent's most pressing geopolitical issues.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireAntonio Tajani called for EU to appoint single special envoy for Russia negotiations at EPP meeting press briefing