In calling Russia, António Costa is doing his job. The backlash is overblown. Plus, it’s no coincidence the contact started right after Zelensky met EU leaders in Cyprus last April and urged them to be ready. Question is: now what? More in my newsletter:
https://t.co/BoRreRCrUq
The conservative Italian media lashing out at Trump over his “attack” on Meloni. “He doesn’t want allies; he wants subjects”. Il tradimento del tycoon. Remarkable U-turn coming from a sphere that initially saw an opportunity for influence in MAGA, now grown disenchanted.
Von der Leyen told leaders that the time has come to be prepared and consider a mandate for talks with Russia, as long as Ukraine is in driving seat, Euronews understands. She said change in dynamics of the war is remarkable and tide is turning.
https://t.co/m97bH0HXUC
Costa, who did inform the Commission but not all member states, said the question of territories only belongs to Ukraine. Zelenskyy, who had urged EU for active role, said Russia must be weakened + go harder on shadow fleet, and EU negotiator at this stage is hypothetical.
Von der Leyen told leaders that the time has come to be prepared and consider a mandate for talks with Russia, as long as Ukraine is in driving seat, Euronews understands. She said change in dynamics of the war is remarkable and tide is turning.
https://t.co/m97bH0HXUC
Euronews understands that several leaders indicated that Costa does have a mandate on issues related to sanctions, enlargement, and the frozen assets, but any matters related to security guarantees pertain to individual member state. That’s Coalition of Willing handled by E3.
From 23-25 June @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte will visit Washington DC 🇺🇸
On 24 June, he will meet with @POTUS Donald Trump. He will also meet with senior Administration officials.
On 25 June he will meet with Members of Congress and take part in a discussion hosted by the @AtlanticCouncil
https://t.co/f5VXgmypbz
#EUCO update: Zelenskyy held a bilateral meeting with the new prime minister of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, @euronews can confirm. Earlier today, Radev said he would oppose sanctions on Patriarch Kirill.
Ukraine, China trade & EU budget talks — European leaders head to Brussels for a crucial summit.
#SpecialReport is live from 7pm CET with @mariatad
and our correspondents in Brussels, NATO & Geneva.
https://t.co/KPWQ2nUmVX
EU at 27, all talk, little action. Group of six core countries - Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands - have to take the lead. “Six countries instead of 27 countries is the best way of reinforcing Europe,” Le Maire tells me.
Europeans happy with the Iran deal: "a deal that could ease pressure on energy markets, refocus attention on Ukraine and help restrain Israeli military actions". https://t.co/VOgN9nAh70
Yet an Iran that regains strength and seeks regional hegemony isn't in the European interest.
Still, no timeline offered by White House re sanctions and Zelenskyy did not get much time with Trump beyond huddle after a group meeting, far more preoccupied with Middle East. Today, Zelenskyy will be in Brussels. Expect discussions about European envoy to handle Russian talks
Europeans left the G7 summit feeling relieved, balancing flattery and self-interest. Behind the scenes, French diplomats hailed a summit gone according to plan. On stage, Macron spoke of an “Evian moment” for Ukraine. They earned a seat at the table.
https://t.co/4I701Ce9od
Europeans feel vindicated in two-track strategy: engaging with Trump while doing their own thing diplomatically. An EU official told me: for all the talk around Europeans being sidelined by Putin, G7 shared assessment: Russia not serious about peace, Trump signaled sanctions.
EXCLUSIVE: NATO's Rutte heads to Washington next Tuesday.
The visit comes as Trump's accusations that European allies abandoned the US during the Iran war cast a shadow over July's Ankara summit.
https://t.co/f7roYGigHT