Decisions on security in Europe cannot be taken by the two sides without the EU being taken into account. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in an interview with Die Welt.

“We do not want and should not be a neutral spectator under which a decision will be made. This is what US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also believes, as he told me in a telephone conversation on 23 December,” Borrel said in a telephone interview with the publication.

The diplomat reiterated his determination about the EU’s involvement in the talks against the backdrop of the crisis near the borders of Ukraine and Russia.

“If Moscow says it wants to talk about the security architecture in Europe and their guarantees – from January onwards – it is not just a question of the US and Russia. The EU should be present in these talks; such meetings only make sense if they are closely coordinated with the EU and involve the EU,” the diplomat said while on leave.

The US and Russia are known to have agreed to hold talks on arms control and Ukraine, the meeting is scheduled for 10 January 2022.