The Russian Foreign Ministry pressed the European Union for a Spanish transcript of a conversation involving Josep Borrell, citing the risk of a misquote concerning the phrase fascist Russia. Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, warned that Moscow would draw conclusions about future engagement if the transcript is not provided.
Lavrov stated, We asked for a Spanish transcript from Mr. Borrell’s office. It was not supplied. We will pursue full clarity, and if this Spanish transcript does not arrive today, we will take the necessary steps.
Lavrov argued that if global media reports prove accurate, major questions would arise about continuing business with these actors. He noted that Borrell appoints EU representatives abroad, including in Russia. The newly appointed head of the European delegation will be Roland Galyarag, with former diplomat Markus Ederer stepping down on September 1.
If Borrell asserts the struggle against the fascist regime in his own words, Lavrov wondered about the instructions and directives given to his Moscow representative and what line that representative would follow.
Difficulties in translation
Borrell addressed foreign policy and security issues at an inter-parliamentary conference in Prague on September 5, switching to his native Spanish as deputies asked questions. The English translation was provided by the Czech side, and Borrell’s voice was briefly cut off on the air. An Estonian parliamentarian asked about fascist Russia, and Borrell paraphrased that remark when answering. The translator did not clearly indicate it was a quotation, presenting it as a statement from the EU’s top diplomat.
Borrell’s spokesperson, Peter Stano, later clarified that the head of European diplomacy did not describe Russia as a fascist state or regime, calling the incident a translation error.
The Kremlin criticized what it called a misrepresentation and said it disapproved of the false statements.
They blamed the translator
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented that Borrell had undermined himself as a diplomat with remarks about fascist Russia. The assistant argued that such statements invalidate Borrell’s judgments about Russia and its relations.
Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, echoed concerns, accusing the description given to Russia by the EU’s top diplomat of being unacceptable and spiteful.
Zakharova quoted Borrell as saying that talks with Ukraine had taken place within accession negotiations. She insisted there was no plan yet to defeat a fascist country and its fascist regime, and suggested the attribution to a translator was a misreading.
As discussions continued, officials noted that video footage would clarify what occurred, and warned that those involved might deny any misstatement.
NATO clause
Back in October 2014, an English-to-Polish translation error involving NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg caused a diplomatic uproar. In remarks about the Alliance’s Rapid Response Force, the translator ended a sentence with a claim about placing forces anywhere. Stoltenberg later clarified the intent, but the incident lingered as a reminder of how translation can spark political tension.