Kosachev said Russia's annual payment to the council was 25 million euros, a seventh of the EU's 180-million euro total.
"It is Russia's biggest payment. We spend less on the United Nations," he said.
Kosachev said the total cost of the Council of Europe's programs for Russia is 2.5-3 million euros. "Where does our money go?" he asked.
He said Russia wanted to work constructively with the Council of Europe on human rights issues. However, Moscow does not agree with the Council of Europe "often becoming a waiting room for entry into the European Union for some countries," he said.
Kosachev, who heads the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), said Moscow expected constructive efforts and recommendations from PACE, instead of over-politicized resolutions.
He is skeptical about the third summit of the Council of Europe, which will be held in Warsaw on May 16- 17. "The third summit could be a breakthrough for the Council of Europe, but I do not believe it will be one," Kosachev said.
He said the main problem with the council was overindulgence in issues of human rights and democracy. "Yes, they are important, but the Council of Europe should play a more visible role in the common European space," he said.
Kosachev also said the council could be more productive in the fields of education, culture, and exchange programs for young people.
