MEP Kartheiser calls EU inquiry into Russia contacts 'surreal'

Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser has described a reported European Parliament inquiry into his contacts with Russian officials as “surreal,” arguing that the EU is targeting dialogue with Moscow while seeking a role in future Ukraine peace efforts.

The local news outlet Luxemburger Wort reported on Monday that European Parliament President Roberta Metsola had asked the legislature’s ethics watchdog to examine whether Kartheiser’s visit to the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) earlier this month created the impression that he was representing the European Parliament, given its suspension of formal ties with Russia’s State Duma.

Kartheiser noted that EU leaders meeting on June 18–19 are expected to discuss the bloc’s role in future peace efforts, despite Europe’s lack of direct involvement in contacts between Moscow and Kiev and its continued pledge of “unwavering support” for Ukraine.

“It is surreal that those who are trying to build bridges and maintain dialogue are being put under pressure by the very same EU institutions that want to strengthen the EU’s role in future peace negotiations. This is completely unrealistic. I do not think the European Parliament is doing itself any favors by taking actions such as this,” he told RT in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Draft conclusions for this week’s European Council summit state that the EU is ready to “step up” its diplomatic role. European officials have repeatedly argued that the bloc should be represented in any eventual settlement, although no formal peace negotiations are currently underway and no envoy has been agreed upon.

The EU meanwhile is preparing a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, and G7 leaders on Tuesday pledged additional military aid to Ukraine.