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- Europe is in touch: the contacts of the head of the European Council with Moscow have exposed a long-standing split in Brussels
Europe is in touch: the contacts of the head of the European Council with Moscow have exposed a long-standing split in Brussels
The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, who was recently praised for his ability to negotiate, risks losing his chair because of one phone call to Moscow. His administration's contacts with the Russian authorities have split Brussels into two camps: France and Germany demand isolation, while Spain and Belgium and Slovakia call the dialogue normal. The question of who in the EU has the right to speak on behalf of all 27 members of the bloc has once again hung in the air — and now not only the €2 trillion budget, but also the political future of Costa itself is at stake. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.
Discontent in the EU
The "good guy" of European politics has displeased EU leaders and made his first serious mistake," Politico wrote about Antonio Costa.
It was believed that the former Portuguese Prime Minister, who assumed the presidency of the European Council in December 2024, was satisfied with the 27 EU leaders he represented and depended on for their support. He was praised for his confidence and ability to reach consensus.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa
However, the situation changed after the "unexpected contact of the head of his administration with representatives of the Russian authorities" close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "This contact broke the long-standing diplomatic silence between the EU and Moscow, taking many by surprise," the newspaper describes what is happening.
According to five sources, Costa's Portuguese chief of staff, Pedro Lurti, has contacted officials in Moscow twice in the past few weeks.
Most EU leaders supported Costa. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the contacts with Russia were "understandable," and Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever called them completely normal, even joking in front of the cameras that the EU should personally send a message to Moscow. He also stressed that the main question is whether Russia wants to negotiate. "Until then, no one but Costa can represent the European Union," the politician explained.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also sided with the head of the European Council. "I support the President of the European Council and welcome the fact that his team is moving in this direction," he said.
However, the leaders of leading European countries sharply criticized Costa's steps, among them French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. They believe that now is not the right time to negotiate with Moscow. But when that moment comes, the initiative should be taken by the countries of the "eurotroika" — France, Germany and Britain.
However, not everyone agrees with this. Italy and Poland were disappointed that only the Euro-troika countries were allowed to hold talks with Vladimir Zelensky before the EU summit, leaving representatives of Rome and Warsaw outside the doors.
At the same time, Merz and Macron were supported by "the leaders of some countries most fiercely opposed to Russia," as well as Denmark and the Netherlands. In particular, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal called Costa's actions erroneous, stressing that the EU cannot simultaneously be a mediator in negotiations and a supporter of Ukraine. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told Bloomberg: "I don't think now is the right time to start negotiations with Putin."
"He acted like Michel," one of the diplomats summed up, referring to the predecessor of Portuguese politician Charles Michel, who served as head of the European Council from 2019 to 2024. He was known as an incompetent politician who overestimated his capabilities and tried to determine EU policy without consulting the member states.
Who to call in Europe
Costa's office tried to justify itself, arguing that it was not an attempt to start negotiations or mediate between Russia and Ukraine, but rather an effort to open a line of communication so that "when the time comes, we can have a diplomatic channel with Russia to protect the interests of the EU." It was also noted that the contacts were "brief" and did not contain any significant information.
One of Politico's sources claims that Costa's team informed Germany, France, Britain and the European Commission before starting telephone conversations with Moscow. However, three other diplomats claim that Berlin knew nothing about the upcoming contacts.
The situation has escalated. These clashes reveal smoldering tensions at the heart of the EU over its approach to Russia and who should speak on behalf of Europe.
Inside the European Union, they asked why Brussels should be represented by the European Council, and not by the European Commission, headed by Ursula von der Leyen, or the European External Relations Service under the leadership of Kaya Kallas.
A diplomat from a major European country told the newspaper that Costa "behaved extremely unprofessionally" because he hid the extent of his contacts with Russia, which became known only after publication in the media.
It will hurt Costa himself.
Due to the scandal, there is a risk of negative consequences for Costa himself. Firstly, it may prevent him from being re-elected to the post of President of the European Council. The term of office of the politician expires in May next year. Previously, it was believed that Costa would have no problems with re-election, but now, according to Politico, many leaders may have doubts about his candidacy.
Secondly, the current situation undermines the credibility of Costa at a critical moment when the head of the European Council is overseeing tense negotiations on the next EU budget in the amount of €2 trillion for a period of seven years.
"This is a real race against time, as many in the EU believe that Costa needs to conclude this deal before several important elections in 2027, primarily before the French presidential vote, which will take place in April next year," the article says.
Several diplomats, in an interview with the publication, stressed that Costa has an important month ahead. "So far, he has acted calmly and effectively. We can only hope that he did not complicate his life," Politico quoted them as saying.
Natalia Eremina, professor of the Department of European Studies at the Faculty of International Relations of St. Petersburg State University, noted in an interview with Izvestia that "the camp of those who advocate negotiations with Moscow is rather vague." However, there are countries that believe that it is important to "be aware of the need for political dialogue."
— These are Hungary, even after the change of prime minister, and Slovakia. And now Bulgaria. The votes for negotiations come from second-tier politicians or non-mainstream parties in other countries. For example, from Alternative for Germany in Germany," the political scientist said.
At the same time, the whole system is linked to a compromise, she added. Therefore, while the majority of States are in favor of abandoning negotiations, no other point of view can be established.
— It is also important that the EU leaders cannot be negotiators, as they are on the side of Ukraine. Therefore, so far this issue is more likely related to the struggle for power and personnel changes," the analyst stressed.
In turn, Elena Panina, director of the RUSSTRAT Institute of International Political and Economic Strategies, clarified that formally, the President of the European Council is not limited in such actions. Moreover, the ultimatum was issued not from the European Union, but from three countries, one of which is not even a member of the EU.
"Of course, Antonio Costa will never become the new [Viktor] Orban. But his actions in organizing a communication channel with Russia against the background of the growing escalation are understandable. Not all EU countries are ready to participate in a direct military conflict with Russia. It is possible that Costa was preparing the ground ahead of time for possible negotiations with Russia," the expert explained.
The head of the European Council planned to act as the chief negotiator in case such an opportunity arose, she said.
"But the "senior comrades" from Paris and Berlin decided differently. Costa was slightly beaten up, and they continue to "bully" him, including through the media, so that it would not be a problem in the future," the expert summed up.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
