EU must develop common strategy on Russia, says Belgian foreign minister
Foreign minister Maxime Prévot has called for the European Union to develop a joint strategy on relations with Russia, ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Cyprus.
Speaking on Radio 1 programme De Ochtend, Prévot said the EU must now seek a stronger role in future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, particularly as the United States reduces its involvement in the peace process.
“For me, the moment has arrived for the EU to claim a seat at the negotiating table and not merely be a spectator,” he said. According to Prévot, the bloc must define a common position on relations with Russia “in full transparency with Ukraine”.
Debate over EU negotiator
One of the issues under discussion is who could represent the EU in any future talks with Moscow. Prévot said no clear candidate has yet emerged.
“I do not have a name in mind that possesses all the qualities and assets, but there are many people who have played a leading role in Europe in the past,” he said.
Names currently circulating include EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, former German chancellor Angela Merkel and Finnish president Alexander Stubb.
Prévot acknowledged divisions within the EU, particularly among countries geographically closer to Russia, such as the Baltic states, Poland and Finland, which remain wary of direct negotiations with Moscow. However, he believes those positions can be reconciled.
He suggested Kallas could help form a broader “group of negotiators” made up of representatives from “Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Europe”. At the same time, he noted that the former Estonian prime minister’s hardline stance towards Russia means “she probably cannot lead the negotiations”.
Pressure on Moscow
Prévot also stressed that the EU must remain cautious in its dealings with Russia and continue increasing pressure on Moscow. “There are no signs yet that Russia wants to sit down at the negotiating table,” he said.
On Thursday, Belgium summoned the Russian ambassador following threats against diplomats in Kyiv. According to Prévot, Russia will continue to pose a threat even after any ceasefire agreement.
“That is why I think the time has come to play a leading role, to avoid decisions regarding European security infrastructure being made over our heads by other countries in the future,” he said.
Belgan foreign minister Maxime Prévot © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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