Governments in several European countries are pressing the EU’s leadership to appoint a special envoy to negotiate with Russia over ending the Russia-Ukraine war. In Brussels, there is concern that the United States could strike a direct deal with Moscow, sidelining Europeans from the process. Politico reports, citing diplomats and officials.
The initiative is backed in particular by France and Italy. According to the outlet, they have succeeded in securing the support of the European Commission, as well as several other EU member states.
At the same time, deep divisions persist among European countries over the mandate and the real powers of the prospective negotiator. Uncertainty also surrounds the format of his representation—whether he would speak solely on behalf of the European Union or represent a broader “coalition of the willing,” which includes the United Kingdom and other countries.
Four diplomats told Politico that Finnish President Alexander Stubb had been considered as a possible candidate for the role of Europe’s negotiator—both for contacts with Washington and for dialogue with Moscow.
The discussion of this initiative comes amid public calls by French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to begin talks with Russia. “In recent days, Macron has insisted that, in light of bilateral negotiations between the Americans and the Russians, it is important for [Europeans] to participate in them at least to some extent. Meloni has strongly supported this. They are not naive about what can be achieved through these negotiations, but <…> in some capitals there is a growing understanding [of the advantages of taking part in the talks],” one French official told Politico.