Macron, Merz attack EU’s stance on Putin talks

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Macron and Merz Oppose EU Outreach to Kremlin

   French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have criticized European Council President Antonio Costa for trying to contact the Kremlin. This conflict surfaced during a late-night summit in Brussels. While Macron and Merz disagree, other EU leaders back Costa's approach.

   confidence 100%
2. 5d ago

   Macron and Merz clash with EU over Putin communications

   French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized European Council President Antonio Costa for attempting to contact the Kremlin. This disagreement occurred during a late-night Brussels summit. Other EU leaders supported Costa's efforts.

   What's confirmed:

   • Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz opposed the EU opening communication with Vladimir Putin.
   • The dispute took place during a late-night summit in Brussels.
   • The summit was the first since 2010 without former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Antonio Costa acts on behalf of all 27 governments.
   confidence 80%
3. 8d ago

   Macron and Merz Oppose Costa's Russia Dialogue

   French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have criticized European Council President Antonio Costa for establishing dialogue with Vladimir Putin. The leaders believe it is not the right time for engagement with Russia. This dispute occurred during the first night of an EU Council Summit.

   What's confirmed:

   • Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz criticized Antonio Costa's decision to establish dialogue with Vladimir Putin.
   • Macron and Merz believe now is not the time to engage in dialogue with Russia.
   • EU leaders have not agreed on a back-channel with Moscow to protect the bloc's interests.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Macron is planning a telephone call with Vladimir Putin.
   • The fight over representation in diplomatic talks puts Friday's budget discussions at risk of failure.
   confidence 90%
4. 12d ago

   Macron and Merz Criticize EU Council Efforts to Contact Putin

   French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have criticized European Council President Antonio Costa for attempting to open communication channels with the Kremlin. A late-night Brussels summit revealed deep divisions among EU leaders regarding the timing and leadership of negotiations with Russia. The dispute centers on who should represent Europe in talks to end the war in Ukraine.

   What's confirmed:

   • French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized European Council President Antonio Costa for attempting to establish contact with Moscow.
   • European Council President Antonio Costa sought to open a diplomatic communication channel with the Kremlin.
   • A summit in Brussels exposed splits between EU leaders over who should lead negotiations with Russia and when those talks should occur.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The European Union has quietly sought to reopen communication with Russia.
   • The Austrian chancellor believes Europe should speak to Putin.
   confidence 95%