Relations between the European Union and Russia are bad, but the dialogue was conducted even during the Cold War, the German Chancellor noted.
According to TASS, on Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel. took part by video link in the Franco-German parliamentary assembly, which includes 50 members of the National Assembly and the Bundestag each, where she stated that the EU countries should discuss the problems that exist in relations with Russia, not among themselves, but directly with Moscow.
“From my point of view, at such a summit it is necessary to discuss all the issues that worry us and on which we want to cooperate”, – she said, noting that the problems in relations with Moscow allegedly include, among other things, “hybrid attacks that all “EU member states – This is France, this is Germany, this is Italy, I know about this from the Baltic states”.
Merkel expressed her conviction that the EU would be able to adhere to a “united position” during a possible “working conversation with the Russian president.” According to her, there are enough topics for discussion.
“I think that it is better not only to constantly discuss this among ourselves, but to hold discussions on these issues with the Russian president and say that successful cooperation is impossible on such a basis. Relations between the EU and Russia are indeed bad, but there were negotiations during the Cold War. In this regard, in my opinion, silence does not lead to the solution of problems”, – she said.
“We have outlined the topics that we want to discuss with Russia, and instructed to work out in what format and under what conditions negotiations with Russia can take place. This means that we have taken a step forward, but have not yet reached the goal”.