EU must choose envoy for peace in Ukraine says Tajani

(ANSA) - ROME, 15 OTT - The European Union must choose an envoy to represent it in talks seeking to bring an end to the Ukraine war, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Thursday, adding that European Council President Antonio Costa could fit the bill. "The important thing is that Europe has a spokesperson authorized to negotiate in the name of, and on behalf of, the entire Union (on Ukraine)," Tajani told reporters on the sidelines of the EPP pre-summit meeting before the European Council in Brussels. "Europe needs a spokesperson for everyone for it to carry more weight. The important thing is that this be decided quickly. "European Council President Antonio Costa is an authoritative figure; it could be him, but it could also be someone else. "The issue is that a consensus must be reached, and whoever speaks must do so on behalf of everyone. "Let's decide on this". Tajani added that he was hopeful Italy's request for additional flexibility in the application of the EU's budget rules to account for the high levels of inflation sparked by the Iran war will be granted. "We continue to ask for flexibility on security and energy issues," he said. "We believe that, in the face of rising inflation caused by external factors, we must have more flexibility for our country. "This doesn't mean having devil-may-care public finances, but it does mean being able to address the situation with greater determination. "The words of Valdis Dombrovskis and Antonio Costa seem positive in this direction. We'll see what the decision will be. I'm optimistic". (ANSA).
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