Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the 27 heads of state and government at the EU summit via video. In his speech, according to an EU official, he once more called for stronger sanctions in the energy sector in order to increase the pressure on Moscow. Baltic countries are also pushing more and more for an embargo on Russian gas and oil – because as long as the EU buys energy from Russia, the war would be co-financed, so the argument of the sanctions advocates.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) referred to the security of supply following the EU summit. All of Europe is currently working on becoming independent of Russian gas and repositioning itself in terms of energy security, as Nehammer emphasized to ORF.at. But that takes time. The Federal Chancellor appealed to the unity of the EU: “It makes no sense for member states to play each other off. Those who do not need Russian gas can demand sanctions, but those who are dependent on Russian gas cannot do that.” Along with Austria, Germany also spoke out once morest an embargo.
“Creativity” required for sanctions
Nevertheless, according to Nehammer, it is a question of further tightening sanctions in order to ultimately be able to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine. This requires a certain “creativity” in terms of possible alternative sanctions. Nehammer spoke, for example, of European components that are used in Russian weapons and aircraft types, among other things. Reducing them would also reduce the Russians’ clout.
According to the Chancellor, sanctions are still the subject of the assessments on Friday. “What other adjustments can be made to make the sanctions regime stricter?” In addition, existing sanctions would have to be evaluated and any gaps closed. The effects of the sanctions that have already come into force are already “noticeable”.
In the most recent draft of the final declaration for the EU summit, which is available to ORF.at, it says quite generally: One is ready to quickly decide on further sanctions. Any attempt to circumvent the sanctions that have already been decided or to help Russia in any other way must be stopped.
Schaidreiter (ORF) on the reactions of the West
Raffaela Schaidreiter comments on the first results of the alliance meetings between NATO, the EU and the G7 on Thursday in Brussels.
Continued strong support for Ukraine
According to the draft, the EU also intends to continue providing coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian support to Ukraine. For example, it was decided to set up a solidarity fund to provide financial support to Ukraine. A pledging conference will be organized in due course to raise funds for the fund.
In view of the huge flow of refugees from Ukraine, the EU also swears that it is united in dealing with the war refugees. We recognize all the efforts that have already been made to accommodate the people. At the same time, all member states are called on to intensify their efforts “in an ongoing spirit of unity and solidarity”.
The EU Commission should take all necessary steps to support these efforts. In their declaration, the EU states also called on the EU Commission to submit proposals on how financial support for the host states might be further structured.
Biden: Appeal for unity
At the beginning of the meeting, Joe Biden, who was the first US President to attend an EU summit, appealed for unity in the West. Nothing is more important than maintaining the unity of allies in NATO, the European Union and the G-7. “It is the most important thing we can do to stop this man who we in our country believe has already committed war crimes.”
Putin wants to show that democracies will not work in the 21st century due to the rapid changes in the world. And that autocracies will rule, according to Biden. One must counter this, so the appeal.
Ex-diplomat Lehne on the reactions of the West
Stefan Lehne from the US think tank Carnegie Europe and former director of the State Department comments on the West’s possible alternative courses of action in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
EU summit draft: Russia commits war crimes
The European Union is likely to follow the US government’s assessment that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine. As the summit draft writes: “Russia carries out attacks on the civilian population, targeting civilian objects, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shelters. These war crimes must stop immediately.” In a previous draft, the word “crime” was mentioned. On Wednesday, the US government officially accused Russian troops in Ukraine of war crimes for the first time.
The 27 EU countries call on Russia to immediately end the attack on Ukraine, withdraw all forces and equipment and recognize the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Civilians trapped in the war zone must be able to exit safely, all hostages released immediately, and unhindered humanitarian access allowed. Russia must meet its obligations under international law.
Clear words at NATO and G-7 summit
So while the first day of the summit was all regarding defense and security policy, Friday’s focus will be on higher energy prices. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday that the US and the EU will “present a new chapter in our energy partnership” on Friday. It is regarding additional deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the USA for the EU to replace Russian liquefied gas.
The summit marathon began Thursday morning with that of NATO, followed by the meeting of the G-7. NATO has warned Russia of far-reaching consequences if the country uses chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine.
This emerges from the statement following the NATO special summit in Brussels on Thursday. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the use of chemical or biological weapons might also affect the population of NATO countries. The G-7 countries also hit out sharply at Russia. Biden also called for Russia to be excluded from the G-20 group. However, the decision depends on Indonesia, the current G-20 president, and the other members.
