EU Council president faces criticism over undisclosed Kremlin contacts
European Council President António Costa (photo: Getty Images)
Some European leaders criticized European Council President António Costa for failing to inform some partners about his contacts with the Kremlin, Politico reports.
In particular, Costa was criticized by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
"The European Union cannot assume the role of mediator in these negotiations. The moment the EU — or any individual country — positions itself as a mediator, it inevitably constrains its own ability to take the very actions required to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia," he said.
Michal added that Russia continues to reject any options for a diplomatic end to the war.
Politico notes that Costa's communication with the Kremlin drew criticism from several European Union governments, which complained that they had not been informed.
It is known that Costa's team informed France and Britain about these contacts. Some officials also say that Berlin may have been aware of them.
However, some officials, particularly from the Baltic states, learned about the calls only after media reports were published and were angered by this.
The media outlet notes that these disagreements reflect a broader problem for the entire European Union. Member states want Europe's engagement with Moscow to represent the interests of all 27 member states, rather than those of individual national leaders.
At present, the E3 countries - France, Britain, and Germany - insist that they should lead any future negotiations on behalf of Europe. However, Poland and Italy also want to be involved in these meetings.
The media outlet notes that this dispute highlights the challenge facing European Union leaders as they seek to define the bloc's position in any future peace process concerning Ukraine.
While all governments agree that Europe should ultimately have a seat at the negotiating table, there is less agreement on how to achieve that - and who should speak on their behalf.
Costa's contacts with the Kremlin
Media previously reported that the chief adviser to European Council President António Costa held two phone conversations with a senior Russian official who is part of the inner circle of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In this way, Costa was trying to engage the Kremlin leader in negotiations on ending Russia's war against Ukraine.
As it became known, Costa approached the Kremlin with a request to open a communication channel. This is the first such step by the European Union since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
