A tense summit exposed EU divisions over initial contacts with Moscow, while leaders agreed EU institutions should represent the bloc’s interests in any future talks.
The European Union does not plan to be a mediator in negotiations with Russia to end the war, European Council President António Costa said in Brussels on June 19. According to him, the EU stands with Ukraine and currently sees no credible signs that Russia is ready for serious negotiations.
Costa explained that his intention to establish a diplomatic channel with Moscow is tied to preparing for future possible negotiations. Media reports have appeared about steps taken by the European Council presidency’s office.
The initiative has caused confusion among the leaders of influential EU states – notably France and Germany, who consider it premature and would like to play a leading role in the process when the appropriate moment comes. Denmark, the Netherlands, and the Baltic states also reacted critically.
After a tense discussion at the EU summit, the majority of countries backed Costa’s position and called for EU interests to be represented by its institutions. The head of the European Council himself insisted on this:
EU Diplomatic Initiative and Reactions from Participants
What I am doing through my office is establishing a diplomatic channel. We cannot rely solely on others to interpret Russian signals. And we must have the ability to convey our own messages to Russia directly… I see no contradictions or competition among the different participants in this process. On the contrary, they complement each other.
– António Costa
On the first day of the June 18 summit, EU leaders argued about the initial contacts of Costa’s office with Moscow; the greatest dissatisfaction was shown by France, Germany, and the Baltic states. Italy and Poland expressed discontent that they were not included in the initial talks between the E3 (France, Germany, the United Kingdom) and Ukraine.
Only Ukraine can negotiate on behalf of Ukraine. Undoubtedly, the “coalition of the willing” and its leaders should also play a role in security guarantees. But when it comes to the interests of the European Union, they must be defended by EU institutions in accordance with the EU’s founding treaties.
– António Costa
Following the discussions, the head of the European Council stressed that EU interests must be represented by the bloc’s institutions, not by individual countries. He also stressed that Ukraine remains the sole partner in negotiations on behalf of Ukraine, and security guarantees must be based on the EU’s joint commitments. Further steps in this direction will be determined within the framework of the EU’s founding treaties.