SPD foreign policy politician Rolf Mützenich is advocating for an independent European peace initiative aimed at resolving the war in Ukraine. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, Mützenich proposed involving well-regarded figures as EU special mediators. He highlighted Italian economist and former ECB chief Mario Draghi, stating, “The former Prime Minister is a very important actor for the European Union and someone who can take on a European role due to his charisma.” Mützenich also mentioned José Manuel Barroso, the former EU Commission President, as a possible candidate for such a role.
Mützenich expressed frustration over the current state of passivity among European heads of state and strongly urged the initiation of diplomatic efforts. He emphasized the critical nature of the EU’s involvement, arguing that “the European voice is existential and essential because we are directly affected by the consequences.” Regarding the role of the Union and in light of recent diplomatic moves from the United States, he concluded, “We simply fall completely out at this point.”
