Negotiator for Putin? The EU is deciding who should represent Europe and how

The European Union is considering creating the position of special negotiator for talks with Russia on the future of Ukraine. France and Italy are particularly supportive of the initiative, as they want to ensure that the EU plays an active role in any peace agreement and is not sidelined in bilateral talks between Moscow and Washington.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have already called for the opening of diplomatic channels with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Politico reports.

However, there is disagreement in Brussels about the form this role should take—in particular, who the envoy would represent and what mandate they would have. Some propose that it should be an informal role for a strong leader, while others want an institutional framework.

Possible candidates include former European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. No decision has been made yet, and talks in Brussels are continuing.

(pir)