Fernand Kartheiser, a Luxembourg member of the European Parliament, stated that the European Union should restart its contacts with Russia by appointing a special representative. Kartheiser argued that at this stage, a lower-profile official who can clarify the positions of the parties would be more appropriate than a fully authorized negotiator.
The politician noted that such a figure could only help convey the attitudes of the parties. According to him, if the process begins with more limited expectations, it might at least enable the two sides to start talking again.
Kartheiser expressed that this approach could be the first step toward reestablishing diplomatic contacts between the EU and Russia. He suggested that negotiations proceed initially through communication channels rather than directly on a bargaining platform.
Recent European media reports have also mentioned that European leaders are searching for a suitable figure who could engage with Russia. Names mentioned in this context include former German Chancellors Gerhard Schröder and Angela Merkel, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, European Council President António Costa, former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Head of the EU External Action Service Kaja Kallas, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously said that if asked about a possible interlocutor between Russia and Europe, he might personally prefer former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. However, Putin emphasized that the choice should be made by Europeans and highlighted that Europe has been the side refusing to engage in talks with Russia.
