The new sixth package of sanctions against her Russia which provides for an embargo on its oil exports to EU. monopolized the discussions of the first day at the extraordinary Summit of European leaders in Brussels, without missing the counterattacks, the asterisks and the bargains on the part of Hungary, which vetoed, asking for guarantees.
After all An agreement was reached during the “27” dinner at midnightwith the President of the European Council, Charles Michel to announce that “a huge img of funding for Russia’s war machine is being cut, as the agreement covers more than 2/3 of (ss) European oil imports from Russia” in order to put maximum pressure on Moscow to end the war.
On this controversial issue, the Greek side was clear from the first moment, with the Prime Minister declaring coming to the Summit that “the individual objections of member states can be bent in order to finally reach the desired result”, as it happened.
At the same time, this new package of retaliation against Russia includes other harsh measures, such as the exclusion from the international financial SWIFT of three Russian banks, in particular Sberbank, the ban on broadcasting of three Russian state television stations in the EU and sanctions against about sixty persons particularly responsible for crimes war in Ukraine.
90% reduction in oil imports from Russia by 2022
At a press conference in the early hours of the morning, the President of the European Council explained that imports were temporarily exempted from the embargo. oil through pipelines.
Germany and Poland have pledged to suspend imports via the Druzba pipeline, the embargo will eliminate “about 90%” of European Russian oil imports “by the end of the year”, the European Commission president said. Ursula von der Leyenadding that for the remaining 10%, the Council will return as soon as possible.
The exclusion of imports through the Druzba pipeline, which supplies Hungary in particular, has allowed the Budapest veto, which has been blocking the implementation of the 6th EU sanctions package against Russia for several weeks, to be lifted. The final agreement on the embargo on Russian oil is expected to be approved within a week by the Permanent Representatives of the Member States and adopted by the European Council.
Extraordinary funding in Ukraine
It was also agreed that the EU would provide 9 billion euros in emergency macro-financial assistance to Ukraine in 2022, with a small component of interest-bearing subsidies for Ukraine to maintain its government and pay salaries for about two months. “The EU and its Member States are prepared to play an important role in the reconstruction of Ukraine in the future,” the text of the conclusions reads. The Commission will present the details of the way of financing next week, the President of the European Commission simply stated, without going into further details.
War crimes
In addition, the European Council commends all those who assist in gathering evidence and investigating war crimes, and expresses its support for the intensive work of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in this regard.
Welcomes the work carried out by the Advocate General of Ukraine with financial support for capacity building from the European Union and its Member States, as well as the establishment of a joint investigative team coordinated by Eurojust, whose role has been strengthened; and the ongoing operational support provided by Europol. Russia, Belarus and all those responsible will be held accountable for their actions in accordance with international law, the summit concludes.
“Nails” Zelensky
Earlier, the President of Ukraine Volontimir Zelenksi, speaking to EU leaders via video, accused them of being too lenient with Moscow. “Why do you depend on Russia, on their pressure, and not the other way around? Russia must depend on you. “Why is Russia still making almost a billion euros a day selling energy?” said Zelensky characteristically.
The positions of Greece
On the critical front of the energy crisis, the Prime Minister reiterates that the response to the waves of precision sweeping across the continent should be common. Information indicates that the issue of the ceiling on the wholesale price of natural gas has not been ruled out by the partners as reference is made to the draft conclusions, but it is most likely to be referred to the next Summit.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis insists on the need to take more drastic decisions, while at the same time emphasizing that he agrees with the proposal for utilization of unallocated funds of the Recovery Fund. He reiterated that he was in favor of creating a common platform for the supply of natural gas, in order to have greater purchasing power as large suppliers and to lower the price for the Member States. Nevertheless – as everything shows – European leaders do not seem willing to take action – a shield for the tsunami of accuracy, referring this burning issue to the next Summit, on 23 and 24 June.
Today’s agenda
On the second day of the Summit, European leaders are expected to discuss the energy crisis, supply chain problems and the crucial issue of European defense. The goal is for the “27” to commit to speeding up work to help Ukraine transport its grain from the country to world buyers by rail and truck, as the Russian navy blocks the usual sea lanes and takes steps to faster independent of Russian energy.
Source: News Beast
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