Germany’s CSU backs direct European talks with Putin as Macron signals openness

The leader of the Christian Social Union group in Germany’s lower house, Alexander Hoffmann, has said Europe should hold direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that the European Union must assert itself as an independent political actor.

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Karheinz Pape/CC0

"Europe must see itself as a player on this field," Hoffmann told German news agency dpa, adding that representing European interests in talks with Putin was both legitimate and possible, provided Europe spoke with one voice.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday after an EU summit in Brussels that he was open to resuming dialogue with the Russian leader, saying it could be useful to restart talks with Putin.

Macron added that “there are people who are talking to Putin,” a remark the AFP news agency said was an allusion to US President Donald Trump, who has resumed dialogue with his Russian counterpart.

The Kremlin has meanwhile signalled its readiness to engage in such talks.

Germany’s government has so far merely “taken note” of Macron’s initiative, dpa reported.

(tf/gs)

Source: PAP