EU Leaders Clash Over Costa's Unauthorized Moscow Contacts at Summit
At the June 19, 2026 EU summit, European Council President António Costa faced sharp criticism from Germany, France, and other member states for initiating unauthorized contacts with Moscow regarding potential Ukraine peace talks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the move an "affront" and "unprofessional," stressing Costa is a representative, not a mediator. Costa defended the outreach as preparing to defend EU interests, sparking a heated debate over who should negotiate for Europe—the E3 (Germany, France, UK) or EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Ukrainian President Zelensky declined comment.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
EU Summit: Merz Opposes Trade War with China and Blocks Dialogue with Russia
At the EU summit in Brussels on June 19, 2026, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz rejected EU Council President Antonio Costa's plan to establish a diplomatic channel to Moscow, calling it 'unprofessional' and an 'affront.' Merz also blocked a harder line against China over trade surpluses, advocating instead for 'constructive dialogue' and a 'currency dialogue' with Beijing. The summit revealed deep divisions among EU members on foreign and economic policy. While some countries, led by France, have sent negotiators to Moscow, Germany and Baltic states oppose talks with Russia at this time. No agreement was reached on a Ukraine negotiation strategy, though the EU extended sanctions against Russia by one year. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pushed for EU accession by 2027, but Merz and others urged caution, noting the EU is not prepared for enlargement. The 21st sanctions package against Russia is in development.
taz.de - taz.deEU Summit: Merz Opposes Trade War with China, Advocates Dialogue with Russia
At the EU summit in Brussels, German CDU leader Friedrich Merz sparked a dispute by opposing a trade war with China and calling for renewed dialogue with Russia. The summit revealed deep divisions among EU member states over the right course in foreign and economic policy, particularly regarding relations with Beijing and Moscow. Quick consensus or decisive action is not expected, leaving the bloc's strategic direction unresolved. The report highlights ongoing tensions between hawkish and conciliatory approaches within the EU.
taz.de - taz.deAntónio Costa's Risky Mission: Opening Channels to Moscow
EU Council President António Costa has sparked controversy by having his office contact the Kremlin, causing outrage at the EU summit. Despite the backlash, the initiative is described as sensible but risky. The article, published by Die Welt on June 19, 2026, highlights the tension between diplomatic pragmatism and EU unity amid the Ukraine conflict. Costa's move suggests a potential shift in EU strategy towards engaging with Russia, though it risks alienating member states and undermining collective positions.
Nachrichten - WELTEU Leaders Debate Maintaining Diplomatic Channels with Russia Amid Ukraine War Stalemate
A meeting of EU leaders in Brussels on June 19, 2026, featured a sharp debate on whether to maintain diplomatic channels with Russia. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs argued that such channels are meaningless as long as Moscow rejects diplomacy, and urged no EU member state to maintain trade relations with Russia. The discussion occurred amid a stalemate in Ukraine-US-Russia peace talks, partly due to the Middle East conflict. European Council President António Costa revealed brief diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin, described as limited to defending EU interests without substantive negotiations. Several leaders, including the Irish Prime Minister, support Costa as the EU's representative for future talks. The article highlights a tension between maintaining economic growth and competitiveness while pressuring Russia and preserving a seat at the negotiating table for Ukraine's future.
Defence24.comShould the EU maintain diplomatic channels with Russia?
A meeting of EU leaders in Brussels has reignited debate over maintaining diplomatic channels with Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs argued that such channels are meaningless as long as Moscow rejects diplomacy, and called for an end to trade relations with Russia. In contrast, European Council President António Costa has confirmed brief diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin, aimed at defending EU interests when the right moment arrives, though without substantive information exchange or negotiations. Several EU leaders, including the Prime Minister of Ireland, favor Costa as the Union's representative for potential peace talks. The EU seeks a seat at the table in any Russia-Ukraine negotiations, given its significant financial and military investment in Ukraine. The article highlights a strategic divide within the EU between those advocating total isolation of Russia and those favoring limited diplomatic engagement to protect European interests.
Defence24.comEU Summit: Leaders Tackle Budget and Russia Engagement Strategy
EU leaders gathered in Brussels for the second day of a summit focused on the bloc's next long-term budget (2028-2034), with positions remaining deeply divided between fiscal hawks and net beneficiaries. The summit was also dominated by discussions on Europe's future role in potential peace talks with Russia over Ukraine. European Council President António Costa faced criticism from Baltic and Nordic leaders for establishing a diplomatic back-channel with Moscow, though most leaders ultimately backed the exploratory outreach. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni renewed calls for appointing a special EU envoy for structured dialogue with Moscow, expressing frustration over the dominance of the E3 (Britain, France, Germany). The budget negotiations formally entered a new phase following the Cypriot presidency's release of a negotiating blueprint, with defence spending, farm subsidies, and competitiveness as key flashpoints. A light moment occurred when Belgian PM Bart De Wever joked about sending Costa to Moscow.
EuractivMerz Sharply Condemns EU Council President's Contact with Moscow at Summit
At the EU summit on June 19, 2026, EU Council President António Costa sparked a heated dispute by reaching out to Russia. German government circles reportedly described the move as an 'affront,' and German opposition leader Friedrich Merz sharply condemned the contact. Reporter Marco Reinke noted 'loud discussions in the meeting room,' indicating significant tension among EU leaders over the outreach to Moscow. The incident highlights ongoing divisions within the EU regarding engagement with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
Nachrichten - WELTGermany Calls EU Council President's Contact with Moscow an 'Affront'
At the EU summit, EU Council President António Costa sparked a heated dispute by initiating contact with Russia. German government circles described the outreach as an 'affront,' signaling strong disapproval. German opposition leader Friedrich Merz emphasized that Costa's role is to represent the EU, not to act as a mediator with Moscow. The incident highlights deep divisions within the EU over how to engage with Russia amid ongoing tensions. The criticism from Germany underscores a firm stance against unilateral diplomatic moves that could undermine the bloc's unified position on Russia.
Nachrichten - WELTEU Leaders Clash Over Kremlin Engagement Strategy at Summit
The first day of an EU summit in Brussels, intended to focus on China and celebrate Ukraine's membership bid, became dominated by heated debate over how to engage with Russia. EU leaders disagreed on which format or country group should lead potential peace talks with Moscow, including proposals for the E3 (France, Germany, UK), the Normandy Format, or a wider coalition. European Council President António Costa faced criticism for establishing a secret backchannel to the Kremlin via his head of cabinet, Pedro Lourtie, without broader coordination. Baltic and Nordic states were most critical, while France, Italy, and Germany supported dialogue. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advocated for a single EU envoy from a smaller member state. The discussions, which ran past midnight, highlighted deep divisions among the EU27 on how to approach Russia as Putin shows no willingness to negotiate.
EuractivEU Heated Dispute Over Costa's Moscow Contacts; Germany Calls It an 'Affront'
At the June 2026 EU summit, a fierce dispute erupted over EU Council President António Costa's unauthorized contacts with Moscow regarding potential Ukraine war negotiations. German government circles described the move as an 'affront' and 'unprofessional,' with Chancellor Friedrich Merz stating Costa is the EU's representative, not a mediator. Several member states criticized Costa for acting without a mandate or coordination. Costa defended his actions, arguing he aimed to be ready to defend EU interests when the right moment comes and to maintain EU unity. The controversy highlights unresolved questions over who should negotiate for Europe in future talks with Russia, the USA, and Ukraine, with Merz favoring the E3 (Germany, France, UK) while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also seeks involvement. Ukrainian President Zelensky declined to judge Costa's contacts, citing lack of details.
Nachrichten - WELTEU Summit Dispute Over Costa's Russia Contacts; Germany Calls It an 'Affront'
At the EU summit on June 19, 2026, EU Council President António Costa faced harsh criticism from member states, particularly Germany, for establishing diplomatic contacts with Moscow regarding potential Ukraine war negotiations. German government circles described the move as an 'affront' and 'unprofessional,' noting that Costa acted without a mandate or coordination with member states. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Costa is the EU's representative, not a mediator. French President Macron also expressed displeasure. Costa defended his actions, stating the goal was to be ready to defend EU interests when the right moment comes. The incident highlights unresolved tensions over who should negotiate for the EU in any future talks involving Russia, the US, and Ukraine, with Merz favoring the E3 (Germany, France, UK) and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also seeking a role. Ukrainian President Zelensky declined to comment on the contact.
Nachrichten - WELT