Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL’s newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe’s Eastern neighborhoods.
I’m RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I’m drilling down on two issues: the upcoming OSCE ministerial meeting in Malta and the EU’s latest (underwhelming) sanctions on Russia.
**Note to Readers: You can now listen to my briefings by clicking on the audio link below. We’re actually using an AI version of my voice and would love to know what you think – and, of course, what we can improve.**
Briefing #1: Lavrov‘s Expected OSCE Appearance
What You Need To Know: One thing will overshadow the entire annual Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ministerial meeting taking place in Malta on December 5-6: the presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He has been invited and, if he shows up as expected, it would be his first visit to an EU country since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Lavrov remains sanctioned by the bloc, but the travel ban can be temporarily lifted to attend international meetings on EU soil.
Lavrov’s possible visit comes amid increasing signs that many Western countries appear to reaching out to Moscow again diplomatically, notably with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calling Russian President Vladimir Putin recently for the first time in over two years.
Sources inside the OSCE, who weren’t authorized to speak on the record, told me that the organization wants to engage in dialogue in order to reach consensus on issues such as the four vacant senior positions in the Vienna-based body, upcoming chairmanships, and the budget of the 57-state organization.
On the other hand, little was achieved at last year’s OSCE ministerial meeting in North Macedonia (an EU candidate country that aligns with the EU’s sanctions policy) when Lavrov attended — along with an entourage of nearly 90 people.
Not everything will go Russia’s way on the Mediterranean island. For starters, Malta has limited the national delegations to six people. And while Lavrov is invited to the lunch on the first day, he won’t be allowed to attend the dinner, which has “Russian aggression against Ukraine” as a topic.
At the official ministerial session, ballots have been drawn to determine in which order the countries will speak. Ukraine will go first. Russia was drawn to speak 20th but agreed to exchange places with Tajikistan so that it can go fourth.
It will be interesting to see what kind of reception Lavrov receives. In Skopje, representatives of Ukraine and the Baltic states, demonstratively stood up and left, something that could happen again in Malta.
A senior EU diplomat, who wasn’t authorized to speak on the record, told me at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting earlier this fall that representatives of EU states remained in their seats as it was “better to stay and answer Lavrov and the huge amount of lies that he usually comes with.”
Telling
How does Lavrov’s attendance at the OSCE meeting impact Russia’s standing within the organization and broader European security discussions?
## Wider Europe Interview: Lavrov at the OSCE
**Rikard Jozwiak:** Welcome back to Wider Europe. This week, we’re focusing on the upcoming OSCE ministerial meeting in Malta, where the elephant in the room will undoubtedly be the presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Joining me today to discuss the implications of Lavrov’s potential appearance is [Alex Reed Name], an expert on [Alex Reed’s Expertise].
Welcome, [Alex Reed Name].
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me, Rikard.
**Rikard Jozwiak:** Let’s start with the obvious: Lavrov’s visit would be his first to an EU country since the invasion of Ukraine. What message do you think Russia is trying to send by having him attend this meeting?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** Well, I believe there are a few things at play.
Firstly, Russia wants to signal that it remains a key player in European security discussions, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Attending the OSCE, an organization focused on promoting dialog and cooperation, allows them to position themselves as part of the solution, not the problem.
Secondly, Lavrov’s presence might be a calculated move to sow discord amongst Western countries [ cite, if applicable [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/28/baltic-foreign-ministers-pull-out-of-osce-summit-over-russian-participation)]]. We’ve already seen some Baltic states pulling out of the summit in protest. This division could benefit Russia’s diplomatic goals.
**Rikard Jozwiak:** Interestingly, you mentioned the Baltic states pulling out. Do you think this signals a growing divide within the EU regarding how to engage with Russia?
**[Alex Reed Name]:** [Answer based on Alex Reed expertise and relevant current events].
**Rikard Jozwiak:** That’s a fascinating point. We’ll certainly be watching how this situation unfolds at the OSCE meeting. Thank you for sharing your insights, [Alex Reed Name].
**[Alex Reed Name]:** My pleasure.
Remember to replace “[Alex Reed Name]” and “[Alex Reed’s Expertise]” with relevant information about your chosen Alex Reed. You can adjust the questions and answers based on the specific direction you want the interview to take.
