Macron: EU must be ready to cooperate with Russia

The EU should be open to reengaging in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as diplomacy over the conflict in Ukraine gains momentum, French President Emmanuel Macron said. The comments come after the bloc failed to agree on confiscating frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels on Friday, Macron said several countries had already established contact with Moscow, adding that "Europeans and Ukrainians have an interest in finding the framework to properly re-engage in that discussion."

" I think it will be useful again to talk to Vladimir Putin ," Macron said, adding that without a structured framework, "we are discussing among ourselves while the negotiators go only to talk to the Russians. This is not optimal."

Macron's comments come after EU leaders failed to agree on a plan to use 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets as part of a "reparation loan" for Ukraine, which faces a fiscal deficit of about $160 billion over the next two years. The plan failed largely due to opposition from Belgium, which holds the bulk of the assets and has warned of potential legal and financial consequences.

Instead, EU leaders agreed to raise funds on capital markets to provide Ukraine with a large multi-year loan. However, the move highlights a division within the EU, as some member states secured exemptions.

Russia has condemned Western proposals to use its frozen assets, calling them "theft" and warning of legal retaliation.

Putin and Macron last spoke by phone in July, their only time since 2022, and discussed the conflict in Ukraine. A month earlier, the French president advised other EU states to consider resuming dialogue with Moscow.

Happening now...

16:14 HAPPENING NOW

President Begaj decrees the dismissal of Albania's ambassador to NATO

16:11 POLITICS

Whatever connection between Grida Duma and Ervin Salianji seems to have now ended.

16:07 POLITICS

"It's an urgent matter!" - Balluk's mandate, Bardhi: Prosecutors make it clear that any delay could jeopardize evidence and intimidation of witnesses

16:07 EKONOMI&SOCIALE

One in three immigrants, with temporary contract/ Older expatriates have more access to formal employment agreements

16:01 POLITICS

"The majority is dragging out the process, Ahmetaj was only given 48 hours"/ Bardhi: With their deadlines, Belinda has time to eat baklava and witnesses

15:49 POLITICS

Balluk's immunity, the Mandates Council meeting ends

15:38 POLITICS

Endrit Shabani officially takes office as Ombudsman, introduces himself at the head of the institution

15:25 SHOWBIZ

We didn't expect it! Will Monika Kryemadhi be an opinionator on "Big Brother Vip 5"?

15:22 crossword

Movie crossword puzzle December 19

15:16 POLITICS

Kryebashkiaku i Shkodrës Benet Beci paraqitet në SPAK

15:01 POLITICS

The messages are coming out / Balluku addresses the Berber: The media has covered the Çunat from its own pocket, you made a church out of it

14:38 HAPPENING NOW

A do angazhohet Altin Dumani në Kosovë? Reagimi i dyshimtë i Ambasadës Britanike

14:29 POLITICS

USB and SPAK, 10 thousand pages of evidence for Balluk, the deputy prime minister's lawyer requests 3 weeks; Prosecutor: 5 days are enough

14:16 SHOWBIZ

Chiara Ferragni in total crisis: millions in losses and prison on the horizon!

Want to read more news