Estonia wants Costa and Kallas to speak for Europe in Ukraine peace talks

European Council President António Costa and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas have been urged by Estonia to represent Europe in ongoing Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told POLITICO that "Europe has already chosen its representatives: Council President António Costa and [High Representative] Kaja Kallas.

Both are clearly accountable to EU countries." The matter was raised at an informal European Council summit in Dublin, by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who criticized Europe's approach as "all over the place" and warned it could prolong the war. Michal confirmed that Costa and Kallas' mandate comes directly from the Council, eliminating the need for an ad hoc plan.

The selection of an envoy for Europe's negotiating efforts has become more urgent as U.S.-led efforts to end the war intensify. Finland and Norway have also been in contact with Russia, but French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen opposes any reduction in Brussels' diplomatic role.