EU leaders agree on Russia sanctions, but divisions emerge over Moscow talks and budget

European Union leaders concluded their summer summit with a unified front on extending sanctions against Russia, a decision bolstered by Hungary's new stance under Prime Minister Péter Magyar. This marks the first time since 2024 that all 27 member states have unanimously backed such a measure, with one EU official noting a "new sense of unity" regarding Ukraine.

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There is a new sense of unity in the European Council on Ukraine.

The summit, however, encountered friction over the role of EU President António Costa in potential negotiations with Moscow. Costa's recent attempts to establish contact with Russia were met with disapproval from some member states. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, speaking to Politico, deemed the suggestion of "alternative channels or diplomatic backdoors" as misplaced. Behind closed doors, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly voiced strong opposition, though Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever downplayed these internal disagreements, humorously suggesting Costa himself should represent the EU in Moscow if peace talks concerning European competencies were to occur.

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The suggestion that alternative channels or diplomatic backdoors are needed is misplaced.

Budgetary matters also proved contentious. The proposed 2 trillion euro budget for 2028-2034 faced significant resistance from fiscally conservative nations like Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Belgium, in particular, expressed concern that its annual contribution to the EU would increase by 3.4 billion euros. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker echoed these sentiments, stating that "more money does not automatically mean a stronger Europe," indicating that budget negotiations would likely continue.

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It's not true. I heard no one criticizing it internally, at any time. Nothing.