November 12, 2026

Examining Kushner’s European Security Framework

By: Andrea Kendall-Taylor and Jim Townsend

This week, American, Ukrainian, and Russian officials are gathering in Abu Dhabi for the first trilateral peace talks in nine months. But the negotiations could have implications that extend well beyond the war in Ukraine. Ahead of the talks, U.S. Special Envoy Jared Kushner proposed a new European security framework, echoing President Donald Trump’s suggestion of an eminent “big, beautiful agreement” that could include all of Europe. Kushner outlined five goals for the framework, including permanent security consultations, crisis communication, greater military transparency, and measures to reduce the risk of escalation.

The proposal comes at a consequential moment for European security. European governments are increasingly concerned that Washington could negotiate arrangements with Moscow that have far-reaching implications for the continent’s security without adequately accounting for European interests. And as doubts persist about this administration’s reliability as a security partner, Europe faces growing pressure to define its own approach to negotiations with Russia and to determine what kind of security order it wants to preserve or build.

So, to discuss these developments and what they mean for the future of European security, we are delighted to welcome Ivo Daalder and Carl Bildt back to Brussels Sprouts.

Ivo Daalder is a senior fellow at the Belfer Center. Previously, he served as the U.S. ambassador to NATO from 2009–2013 and on the National Security Council under President Clinton.

Carl Bildt is the cochair of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Previously, he served as the prime minister and foreign minister of Sweden.

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