Kartheiser to Moscow trip: Dialogue instead of isolation – EKR expulsion is threatened!

Kartheiser to Moscow trip: Dialogue instead of isolation – EKR expulsion is threatened!

Fernand Kartheiser, ADR MEP, made a controversial trip to Moscow last week. From Sunday to Wednesday he met Russian officials, including Duma President Leonid Slutsky and Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko. At a press conference in Luxembourg, Kartheiser said that he did not regret the trip and emphasized the importance of dialogue in current political times. In his opinion, the EU should take responsibility for the peace process and, above all, seek direct contact with all those involved.

The trip was criticized by the leadership of his political group EKR, but Kartheiser found the visit successful. He emphasizes that the EU has isolated itself through its sanctions policy and refusal to enter into dialogue. Despite the tough talks, which were open and friendly, he raised important issues such as humanitarian ceasefires and EU participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Criticism and support

Kartheiser's position in the EKR remains uncertain, as an extraordinary meeting to decide on his possible expulsion will take place on June 4th. He plans to attend this meeting and present his arguments as he sees no reason to exclude himself. In the event of expulsion, Kartheiser could join a new parliamentary group or work as an independent MP. The interest of other EU political groups in him remains, although the names of these political groups are secret. He could possibly join the “Patriots for Europe” or the “Europe of Sovereign Nations,” both of which are considered Russia-friendly.

The criticism of his trip did not go unnoticed. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel described the visit as “extremely problematic and unhelpful.” While the ADR party leadership supports Kartheiser and party president Alexandra Schoos has “nothing to blame” him, the opposition in the EKR said that Kartheiser should expect to be excluded. The co-chair of the EKR, Patryk Jaki, had already threatened expulsion before the trip.

Dialogue as persuasion

Kartheiser also emphasizes that several EU MPs are seeking direct dialogue with Russia, but so far without an official commitment to appointments. This underlines the need he calls for the EU to take action not only in Brussels, but also in Moscow. His talks in Moscow were considered challenging but important. For him, contact with Russian politicians is an alternative perspective to the widespread discussions in Brussels.

In conclusion, it should be noted that, despite the contradictions and the upcoming decisions, Kartheiser is committed to a strong dialogue policy and has gained a positive impression from his talks in Moscow. Encouragement to seek dialogue is also aimed at other MEPs in order to work together on solutions to current challenges.