Costa Prepares EU Talks with Russia — Experts Suggest Starting with Weather Topics

EU Council President Costa, with the same optimism as Liepāja residents who hope every morning that today the wind will be less shameless, has announced that Europe must prepare for possible talks with Russia. This announcement is about as surprising as news that Liepāja's wind — this legendary, uninvited guest in any season — might someday stop blowing.

"For now, our main contribution is to increase economic pressure," said Costa, and diplomatic experts are already wondering whether this strategy is more effective than attempts to convince Liepāja's wind to blow in a different direction. Local political commentator Jānis from Karosta admitted: "If they can achieve peace with Russia, maybe they'll also be able to do something about our wind."

Meanwhile, Hungary continues to block billions of euros in aid to Ukraine, which, according to experts, is about as productive as trying to stop Liepāja's wind with a fence. Costa emphasized that such behavior is "unacceptable," though it's unclear whether he's talking about Hungary's position or about the fact that someone actually thought diplomacy could be simple.

The "Druzhba" oil pipeline still isn't working, creating political tension that's as complicated as the question of why they can't create the same atmosphere in Riga as in Liepāja. But at least we know — when talks with Russia begin, the EU will be ready. Almost as ready as Liepāja residents for a winter morning with wind.