If the time for negotiations on Ukraine comes, not only a single representative of the European Union but also the EU member states themselves will participate, French President Emmanuel Macron stated. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
"The European Union must be represented. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will have his place within the framework of his powers. In addition, the member states of the union will also have their place," Macron said at a press conference after the European Council.
The French president explained this by the fact that Costa cannot be a full-fledged representative of EU countries on security issues.
Earlier, Politico reported that in recent weeks, the EU's contacts with Russia have been brief and substantive, but the bloc has interests that "need to be protected."
Meanwhile, European Council President Antonio Costa stated that he is discussing preparations for negotiations with Russia with EU leaders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated several times that Russia is open to contacts with Europe.