Is the EU willing to talk with Russia?

The European Union is intensifying discussions about direct engagement in peace negotiations with Moscow, a debate fueled by perceived opportunities arising from Ukraine's recent successes on the front lines. This internal discussion, ongoing for months, has become a focal point at the recent summit of EU leaders in Brussels.

António Costa, the President of the European Council, has confirmed initial diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin, orchestrated by his cabinet. These overtures aimed to lay the groundwork for the EU's direct participation in future peace talks. However, these exploratory moves were not universally welcomed among member states, with some reportedly not having been informed of these initiatives, according to diplomatic sources.

Costa clarified that the EU does not intend to act as a mediator but stands firmly with Ukraine. He stated, "We have not had clear signals that Russia wants to engage in serious negotiations now." He explained his cabinet's actions as establishing a diplomatic channel to convey EU messages directly to Russia, emphasizing that "the time to negotiate has not yet arrived." Costa sees no incompatibility or competition between different actors involved in peace efforts, viewing them as complementary.

Despite declarations of unity regarding Russia, leaders from France and Germany expressed nuances in their positions compared to Costa's approach, which is supported by countries like Spain and Belgium. French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that Europeans "must be at the table" when negotiations commence. He believes that member states capable of providing security guarantees to Ukraine, such as France, should have a permanent seat, alongside the EU as a whole, whose competencies Costa understands. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that the decision on who speaks for the EU should be made "when the time comes," prioritizing Russia's cessation of attacks first. France and Germany have historically supported dialogue with Russia through the 'E3' format, which includes the United Kingdom, a stance not favored by capitals like Rome and Warsaw.