German foreign minister notes difficult negotiations in Normandy format

He presented Berlin's priorities during the presidency of the EU Council, which began on July 1 and will last until the end of the year, at a meeting of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday, July 13, Deutsche Welle reported.

Maas recalled that within the European Union there is a "minimal consensus" in the policy towards Russia and it concerns the regular extension of sanctions.

"I think we need more. […] That is why we want to prepare for a time when we can talk more intensively about strategic relations with Russia again. I think that needs to be prepared. That is why this is a topic we will address as part of our presidency of the Council of the EU," Maas said, adding that "a solution in Ukraine is needed" to change or restore the EU's strategic relations with Russia.

He said that Normandy format negotiations on the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the Normandy Four summit agreements reached in Paris were progressing slowly.

"Negotiations are not easy, progress is limited, but a solution in eastern Ukraine will be a prerequisite to talking about Russia within the EU," Maas said.

In particular, he recalled that a complete ceasefire had not been reached. The Paris summit agreements on the disengagement of troops had also not been fulfilled.

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