Costa’s Putin move triggers doubts about his re-election
European Council President António Costa faces criticism after his chief of staff made an unannounced contact with Russian officials. The move could affect his chances of re-election and complicate negotiations on the EU’s next budget.
António Costa, who became President of the European Council in December 2024, had received mostly praise from EU leaders. However, during a recent summit, discontent surfaced: Costa’s chief of staff contacted Russian officials without prior notice, breaking years of diplomatic silence between the EU and Moscow. While several leaders, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, publicly defended Costa, behind the scenes there was palpable frustration. Nine diplomats representing nine different national leaders, speaking anonymously, described the move as an unpleasant surprise. One of them compared Costa to his predecessor Charles Michel, whom many leaders considered sub-par. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal publicly called the move “misguided,” and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said now is not the time for talks with Putin. French President Emmanuel Macron and especially German Chancellor Friedrich Merz privately expressed displeasure. A spokesperson for Costa declined to comment. His office insisted the outreach was not an attempt to start negotiations but to create a communication channel in case Russian President Vladimir Putin becomes serious about peace talks. The controversy could affect Costa’s prospects for a second two-and-a-half-year term, as leaders themselves choose who gets the job. It could also undermine trust just as Costa oversees the EU’s next seven-year budget, worth around €2 trillion. Costa’s term ends in May 2027, and many expect him to be reappointed. But any doubts could shift the delicate balance of top jobs in Brussels. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, often a contrarian voice, offered support, saying he is one of the most vocal advocates. Despite the tensions, most diplomats caution against exaggerating the affair, noting Costa still has credit and his political survival is not in jeopardy.
