European Minister Karoline Edtstadler (ÖVP) sees no alternative to the sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, and the whole EU agrees on this. She had rarely “experienced such unity” in the EU, “even more than half a year after the onset of Russian aggression,” Edtstadler said on the sidelines of the Alpbach Forum. Of course there are effects “with us too, although the sanctions are working where they should, namely in Russia”.
Saying the measures “only affect us” is “just propaganda and a lie,” the minister stressed. There is “also no alternative” to convey to the citizens the need for the sanctions.
“Public makes clear why sanctions are needed”
“But at the same time it is hard work to keep explaining to the population why these sanctions are necessary. And they are necessary because you simply cannot accept that in the 21st century someone like Putin, who is a despot, believes that he can use armed force to push the boundaries of a sovereign state.”
It is also important to ask yourself what can really be traced back to the sanctions and what are things “that could have happened differently, that have arisen due to different circumstances”. The question is also essential: “what can we do to create a mitigation across Europe without questioning the sanctions, and there are already possibilities”.
How will the EU respond to the energy crisis?
Edtstadler referred in this regard to announcements made by the European Commission in the energy sector. “I hope that by the middle of next week – before the Council of Energy Ministers on Friday – we will find out what proposals the Commission is making here, because I think that all governments in Europe are currently facing efforts to bring down the high price of electricity. We’re trying to bring down energy costs, especially as fall and winter approach, but we’ve all noticed that we can’t do it alone.” The space is too interwoven for that.
“The goal is to lower the price of electricity”
Anything that is a joint solution and leads to the goal of “reducing the price of electricity” is “definitely a possibility”. At the same time, however, one should not stop working on “dividing our energy sources, expanding renewables, simply becoming more independent here and not being so dependent on outside gas”. In addition, it must be ensured “that we do not completely lose sight of the goals we have set ourselves in the fight against climate change. Because switching on coal-fired power stations again can only be a short-term measure,” the minister emphasized.
Minister does not expect the war to end soon
According to Edtstadler, a quick end to the war in Ukraine is not to be expected. “I see the greatest danger that we will eventually get used to the fact that there is war in Ukraine, and I think we need to protect ourselves from that by constantly dealing with different aspects of this war,” she said. “I think by changing the perspective, for example from a woman’s perspective, you will be better able and also enable the population to look further into the consequences of this war.”
Source: Krone
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