Merkel and Macron: "EU Must Engage Directly with Putin"... Majority of Member States Oppose

Proposal at EU Summit: "Dialogue Needed for European Stability"
Lithuania Strongly Opposes, Saying "It's Like Entrusting a Honey Jar to a Bear"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have consecutively emphasized the need for the European Union (EU) to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a significant number of EU member states have expressed resistance, leading to ongoing controversy within the EU regarding its policy toward Russia.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 24th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the EU summit held in Brussels, Belgium, "The EU must resume dialogue with Russia," emphasizing, "What is necessary to defend our interests and ensure the stability of the European continent is dialogue."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also said in her final speech to the German parliament before attending the EU summit that day, "The EU should seek direct contact with the Russian president," adding, "It is not enough for the U.S. president to be the only one talking with the Russian president." Earlier, major foreign media reported that diplomats from both countries had presented the opinion that an EU-Russia summit was necessary, which subsequently intensified the debate over the EU's policy direction toward Russia.

In particular, many EU member states, especially those in Eastern Europe that share direct borders with Russia, are known to strongly oppose this proposal. Lithuanian President Gitanas Naus?da criticized at a press conference following the EU summit, saying, "This proposal is like entrusting a honey pot to a bear," and added, "Europe must be extremely cautious in engaging in dialogue with Russia."

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte also expressed opposition, stating, "I do not oppose the EU Commission President or the permanent chair of the EU summit holding a summit with President Putin, but if it is a meeting including the leaders of all 27 member states, I will not attend." EU-Russia summits have been suspended since March 2014 following Russia's forced annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. The EU has not lifted sanctions against Russia to this day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.