EU Council President Costa's Russia Contacts Draw Criticism at Summit

European Council President António Costa has drawn sharp criticism from EU leaders over his contacts with Russia, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz making clear at a summit that Costa represents the European Union but is not a mediator between the bloc and Moscow. The rebuke signals growing unease among member states about the boundaries of Costa's diplomatic role at a time when the EU maintains a unified position of support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia over its ongoing invasion. Costa, who took office as European Council President in December 2024, chairs summits of EU heads of state and government and is meant to represent the bloc's collective positions externally — a role distinct from that of a peace broker or independent negotiator. The episode highlights internal EU tensions over how senior officials engage with Russia, as the bloc continues to navigate the delicate balance between keeping diplomatic channels open and maintaining a firm stance against Moscow.