EU negotiations with Russia face divisions as three camps back different candidates to represent the bloc in potential talks with Moscow.
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The EU negotiations with Russia have exposed divisions within the European Union, with member states forming three separate camps over who should represent the bloc in potential discussions with Moscow, according to Politico. The report, citing diplomatic sources, highlights disagreements over the most suitable candidate, as reported by The Times of Russia.
Three Camps Emerge Over EU Negotiations with Russia
According to Politico, the debate over European Union Russia negotiations has divided European officials into three groups, each supporting a different candidate to represent the bloc.
The first group favours European Council President Antonio Costa. Several unnamed diplomats consider him the most appropriate choice because of his institutional position within the European Union. They reportedly view his role as making him a natural representative for potential discussions with Moscow.
The second camp supports appointing representatives from France and Germany. According to a source cited by Politico, both countries are unwilling to give up their individual positions at the negotiating table in favour of Brussels. Their preference reflects a desire to maintain direct involvement in any future diplomatic engagement with Russia.
The third group backs EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Politico described this as “the loneliest camp of all,” reflecting the limited support for her candidacy.
However, several diplomats question whether Kallas would be suitable for the role because of her strongly anti-Russian position. Some reportedly dismissed the suggestion of appointing her as a “joke,” with one assessment describing her as “probably the worst person you could pick.”
EU Summit to Discuss Potential Russia Negotiator
The question of who should represent the European Union in possible EU Russia peace talks is expected to feature at the EU summit in Dublin on November 13.
Politico reported that European leaders will discuss the selection of a potential negotiator during the meeting. However, diplomats do not expect a final decision to be reached at this stage.
The disagreement over potential candidates highlights the challenges facing the bloc as it considers its approach to future diplomatic engagement with Moscow. The competing positions of supporters of Costa, representatives from France and Germany, and Kallas demonstrate the lack of consensus within the European Union.
Putin Calls for US and European Cooperation
On November 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
During the meeting, Putin said he would like the United States to work together with European countries so they could determine what they want: peace or war.
His remarks come as European officials continue discussing the possibility of future negotiations and the question of who could represent the bloc in discussions involving Russia.
The debate over EU negotiations with Russia reflects three competing positions within the European Union regarding diplomatic representation. While some officials favour Antonio Costa, others support representatives from France and Germany or EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
With the issue scheduled for discussion at the November 13 summit in Dublin, the selection of a potential negotiator remains unresolved. Further developments in this debate will be important to follow, as reported by The Times of Russia.
