European Council President António Costa has triggered significant friction among EU leaders by establishing a direct back channel to the Kremlin to open communication lines with Vladimir Putin.

 

Costa’s Putin move triggers doubts ― just as he most needs support

European Council President António Costa has triggered significant friction among EU leaders by establishing a direct back channel to the Kremlin to open communication lines with Vladimir Putin.

While Costa defends the outreach as necessary, the move has fractured the European Council's united front and raised doubts about his leadership style.

The Back Channel Controversy

The controversy erupted after reports revealed that Costa’s top adviser held two phone calls with a senior Russian official close to Putin. Costa has publicly justified the move, arguing that the European Union must have an independent diplomatic channel. He stated that the EU cannot rely on outside actors to interpret Moscow's signals and must convey its positions directly.

The Fault Lines Among EU Leaders

The unilateral outreach has deeply divided member states. The primary points of friction include:

• The Opponents: French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed private discontent, arguing that conditions are not yet right for engagement. They favor handling any diplomatic overtures through the traditional "E3" format involving France, Germany, and the UK. Eastern European leaders, such as Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, criticized the timing, stating it was completely inappropriate to begin negotiations with Putin.
• The Supporters: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed Costa's initiative, noting that Europe must help architect its own peace. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also publicly welcomed the outreach, and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever suggested Costa is uniquely positioned to represent the bloc.

Why This Timing Is Critical for Costa

This diplomatic row occurs at an incredibly vulnerable moment for Costa. His standard two-and-a-half-year term expires in May 2027. While EU diplomats widely expected his seamless re-election, this controversy introduces new friction.

The fallout has exposed cracks in his ability to maintain decorum. At a recent Brussels summit, a heated debate over his Russia strategy ran so long that leaders were two hours late to dinner. This delay forced the postponement of critical agenda items regarding China. While diplomats do not believe his political survival is in immediate danger, the event has eroded some of the "quiet efficiency" that previously defined his leadership