European governments are considering reopening negotiations with Russia on arms control and measures to reduce the risk of military confrontation, according to the Financial Times (FT).

The discussions could involve reviving security mechanisms established during the Cold War, when international agreements were used to limit military risks and prevent conflicts between opposing powers.

European officials have indicated their willingness to explore the restoration of Cold War-era arrangements designed to prevent military confrontations, the newspaper reports.

Among the options under consideration are agreements similar to the Open Skies Treaty, which allowed participating countries to conduct surveillance of each other’s military facilities. European representatives are also discussing potential restrictions on the deployment of certain types of missiles.

The Financial Times also reports that the White House administration is seeking to persuade the Kremlin to participate in a multilateral meeting involving European representatives.

One possible reference point for renewed arms control discussions is the Open Skies Treaty, signed in March 1992 by states participating in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The agreement permitted observation flights over participating countries, allowing aircraft equipped with photographic and video recording equipment to monitor military activities and installations.

Russia withdrew from the treaty in 2021.