EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell sees growing doubts about sanctions policy against Russia in European capitals. There is a big debate about whether the sanctions are effective and affect the EU more than Russia – Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) stressed on Monday, however, that it is now a matter of tightening up and closing loopholes . The EU countries also announce 500 million euros for more weapons to Ukraine.
“Some European heads of state or government said the sanctions were a mistake,” Borrell announced Monday on the sidelines of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. At the same time, he made it clear that he thinks the discussion is wrong. He accused critics of the sanctions of false information. For example, there are those who have argued that the oil embargo has pushed up the price of oil, the EU chief diplomat said.
The price of oil fell after the embargo ended and is currently at the same level as before the start of the Russian war against Ukraine.
Data shows how sanctions work
“I wish people would put a number after each of their arguments,” Borrell said. The Russian economic data showed how the sanctions worked – for example, those on the production of cars and machines since the start of the war.
Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) emphasized on Monday that it is about tightening and closing loopholes, “it is not about another package of sanctions”. With regard to the gas supply, one must “work with a sense of proportion”. But the EU sanctions against Russia would have a long-term effect, he said.
Schallenberg: No alternative
Schallenberg sees no alternative to EU sanctions against Russia as a result of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine. The question is, “Do we want a world based on rules, or do we want the law of the jungle?” would be trampled.
EU foreign ministers discuss the European Commission’s proposals. If there are no objections, the written decision will start on Wednesday. The sanctions could come into effect this week. An import ban on Russian gold is planned. Export controls for advanced technology and civilian goods that can be used by the military also need to be tightened.
Gas embargo is not up for discussion
Other individuals and organizations supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine face asset freezes. However, an embargo on Russian gas imports, Russia’s main source of income, is not on the agenda. Several countries that are heavily dependent on Russian gas supplies, including Austria, are rejecting such a measure.
500 million for more weapons
Current developments in the conflict will be discussed at the meeting in Brussels via video conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. It is conceivable that the EU countries will announce that they will make an additional EUR 500 million available for the supply of arms and equipment to the Ukrainian armed forces.
Similar considerations have been underway for several weeks. In addition to the war in Ukraine, relations between the EU and Latin America and Israel will be discussed at the last Council of Foreign Ministers before the summer recess.
Source: Krone
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