“These are historic moments. Not only for Ukraine – but also for European security. (…) We must strengthen the European Union into a ‘European NATO’,” announced the leader of the European People’s Party, Manfred Weber. In a similar tone, three points for the desired peace were presented by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
On Saturday afternoon, the website of the European Council published a position described as a “statement of leaders on Ukraine”. It stressed that “they welcome the continued efforts of the United States to bring peace to Ukraine”.
“We believe that the draft [peace plan] constitutes a basis that will require further work. We are ready to engage to ensure the durability of future peace. We remain convinced of the principle that borders must not be changed by force. We are also concerned about the proposed restrictions on the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which would expose Ukraine to future attacks,” the statement said.
It added that implementing elements related to NATO and the EU would require the consent of the relevant member states. Tomorrow, European politicians are expected to discuss the peace plan in Luanda, ahead of the Africa-EU summit.
Weber Wants a European NATO
Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, the largest group in the European Parliament, commented on the matter on social media. Weber is also the deputy leader of Germany’s governing CSU.
“These are historic moments. It is not only about Ukraine, but also about European security. Peace must be lasting: Ukraine must decide about its territory, without any pressure; Ukraine must be strengthened, not weakened; we must strengthen the EU into a ‘European NATO’,” wrote Manfred Weber.
Ideas for creating a European “NATO-Bis” resurfaced in Western Europe after Donald Trump’s election victory in the U.S., as he strongly emphasized the need for NATO member states to meet their commitments. The main drivers of this initiative are France and Germany. Germany had long avoided meeting the spending obligation for the military at the level set by NATO.
The Financial Times wrote in March 2025 about a plan for European states to replace the U.S. within NATO, declaring the creation of a European Defence Union.
“The ‘ReArm Europe’ plan – described in the ‘Joint White Paper on Europe’s Defence Readiness 2030’ – is a step towards reducing the European Union’s dependence on the U.S. and strengthening the European defence industry, with Germany and France as the main beneficiaries due to their strong industrial position. The main premise of this plan is: ‘Buy more, better, together and in a European way’. As a result of these actions, a European Defence Union is to be created. The problem is that the United States dominates advanced military technologies (e.g., F-35, MQ-9 Reaper drones, satellite systems), while European companies still lag behind in areas such as artificial intelligence or stealth systems,” wrote Grzegorz Wierzchołowski, editor-in-chief of niezalezna.pl.
Von der Leyen’s Plan = Weber’s Plan?
Today, European leaders want to present their concept of a peace plan.
A copy of the draft prepared by European leaders, obtained by the Washington Post, envisages that no restrictions will be placed on Ukraine’s armed forces. Kyiv would also regain control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, as well as enjoy “unrestricted freedom of navigation” on the Dnipro River and exercise authority over the Kinburn Spit (the westernmost part of the Kinburn Peninsula, separating the mouths of the Dnipro and the Buh from the Black Sea).
Other territorial disputes – according to the European proposal – would be resolved only after a ceasefire. According to Reuters, citing a German source wishing to remain anonymous, Europeans sent the draft of the new peace plan to the Ukrainian and U.S. administrations on Saturday.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, issued a statement in Johannesburg, where the G20 summit ends on Sunday. It resembles the three points indicated by Weber.
“Any credible and lasting peace plan should, above all, stop the killing and end the war without sowing the seeds of future conflict,” said von der Leyen. “We have agreed on the key elements necessary for a just and lasting peace and for Ukraine’s sovereignty,” she said. She did not specify, however, with whom such arrangements had been made.
She pointed to three conditions for a lasting peace plan. First, borders cannot be changed by force.
“Second, there can be no talk of limiting the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a sovereign state. This could expose it to future attacks, and thus weaken European security,” she said.
According to von der Leyen, the third condition is ensuring a central role for the EU in guaranteeing peace for Ukraine.
“We will continue to work with Ukraine, our EU member states, the coalition of the willing, and the United States to make real progress towards peace. It is important that we act as partners, following the same path,” stated the President of the European Commission.