The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, has responded to a letter from the Prime Minister of the current EU presidency, Viktor Orban of Hungary, in which he called on the EU to resume diplomatic relations with the aggressive country of Russia. This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine on July 16.
In his letter, Prime Minister Orban argued that re-establishing diplomatic ties with Russia would benefit both the EU and Russia itself. He also raised concerns about the current state of relations between the EU and Russia, as well as the impact it was having on Hungary. However, President Michel’s response was clear: the EU will not be resuming diplomatic relations with Russia.
The decision by President Michel comes after months of discussions within the EU about the possibility of improving relations with Russia. Many member states, including Hungary, have been pushing for a change in the EU’s stance towards Russia. However, President Michel reiterated the EU’s position that the current actions of Russia, including its aggression towards Ukraine and its interference in other countries’ affairs, do not warrant a change in policy.
Furthermore, President Michel highlighted the importance of standing by Ukraine, a partner and neighbor of the EU, in the face of Russia’s aggression. He emphasized that the EU’s solidarity and support for Ukraine would not waver, and that any resumption of diplomatic ties with Russia would only serve to undermine these efforts.
The EU’s decision to reject Prime Minister Orban’s proposal may come as a disappointment to some member states, but it is a clear demonstration of the EU’s commitment to its values and principles. The EU has consistently condemned Russia’s actions and has imposed sanctions in response to its aggression. To resume diplomatic relations with Russia now would send the wrong message and potentially jeopardize progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Moreover, President Michel’s response serves as a reminder that the EU is a union of democratic nations that share a common commitment to upholding international law and promoting peace and security. Resuming diplomatic ties with a country that has blatantly violated these principles would not only be a contradiction of the EU’s values, but it could also harm the EU’s credibility as a global actor.
In conclusion, President Michel’s rejection of Prime Minister Orban’s proposal to resume diplomatic ties with Russia reaffirms the EU’s position that the current actions of Russia are unacceptable and that the EU will not compromise its values and principles for the sake of political expediency. The EU will continue to stand by its partner Ukraine and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.