Costa: EU must prepare for Russia talks, but not yet
The European Union should get ready to speak with Russia in the future, but the time is not yet right, European Council president Antonio Costa said. In an interview with the European Newsroom, he stressed that discussions should focus on European security and peace in Ukraine, not energy.
Costa’s remarks followed comments by Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever, who suggested last weekend that Europe should eventually normalise relations with Russia, while also rearming and remilitarising borders. The statements sparked criticism both at home and abroad. De Wever denied he was “grovelling at Putin’s feet” and said any normalisation should only come after a peace agreement acceptable to Ukraine and the EU.
"For the time being, our main contribution is to increase economic pressure on Russia" and to continue to support Ukraine with all available means, Costa said. He noted that the EU aims to cut reliance on Russian energy and is not negotiating prices with Moscow.
Costa also addressed Ukraine’s tension with Hungary over blocked EU loans. Kyiv has threatened Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban over the unpaid funds, which Hungary links to repairs on the Droezjba pipeline. Costa said the EU wanted the pipeline fixed quickly but condemned any intimidation of member state leaders.
European Council president Antonio Costa © PHOTO DZHAFAROVA / AFP
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