Deputy ministers from Poland, France, and Germany discussed Ukraine’s difficult situation in the light of the ongoing Russian aggression and the approaching winter. They shared the opinion that Russia does not show that it is ready to engage in constructive peace talks and reaffirmed the need to continue and strengthen European support for Ukraine, to tighten sanctions against Russia, and to accelerate the disbursement of tranches from the EU’s Ukraine Support Loan (USL). They also highlighted the need for Europe’s representatives to take part in any possible peace negotiations.

In the context of regional security, the partners emphasised that Russian attacks on grain export route across the Black Sea are aimed not only at depriving Ukraine of its sources of income, but also at triggering a global food crisis and increasing migratory pressure on the EU.

The meeting, held as partof the Weimar Triangle, provided an opportunity to exchange views on the EU’s future Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, on the eve of the decisive phase of the budget negotiations. The talks centred on the importance of the future EU budget for the implementation of common European priorities and for addressing the challenges facing the EU member states and their regions. French and German ministers also familiarised themselves with the characteristics and challenges of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Province as an eastern border region.

The discussions focused as well on the need to simplify EU regulations and reduce the administrative burden on businesses and farmers. The deputy foreign ministers of Poland, France, and Germany highlighted the excessive reporting obligations, the number of delegated acts, and the need to match requirements to the size of entities and their actual impact on the environment. They also emphasised the importance of improving the lawmaking process in the EU and providing an environment for European businesses that is conducive to competitiveness and single market access.

When discussing climate transition, the deputy ministers found it necessary to align environmental objectives with protecting the competitiveness of European economy and maintaining its industrial potential. They also talked about the differences of approach to the implementation of climate solutions, in particular the ETS.

The EU’s economic security in its external dimension was another item on the agenda. The deputy ministers emphasised that solutions must be put in place to bring together the Union’s economic sovereignty, decarbonisation, and competitiveness, while ensuring level playing ground in regard to international partners. Also discussed was the state of play on the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA). Moreover, the ministers agreed that the EU’s economic policy instruments should be put to a more effective use in the relations with external partners and that favourable conditions should be created for the growth of industrial production in Europe.

The Weimar Triangle’s deputy foreign ministers talked about current challenges concerning the EU enlargement policy. They welcomed the latest developments, namely the opening of Clusters 2 and 3 with Ukraine and Moldova and the closing of further negotiating chapters with Montenegro and Albania. The deputy ministers emphasised that the enlargement is a geopolitical necessity but pointed out that the process remains merit-based and requires concrete measures to be taken by the candidate countries.

The meeting saw the adoption of a joint declaration whereby the participants reaffirmed readiness to continue to work together in the Weimar Triangle for a strong and safe Europe. The declaration put an emphasis on the commitment to strengthening NATO’s and the EU’s eastern flank as well as Europe’s defence capabilities and defence industry.

The meeting in Giżycko was an opportunity to familiarise the French and German partners with the specific character of a border region of the European Union that has been faced with serious security and economic challenges due to Russia’s hostile policy.