The European Council calls on all countries to comply with EU sanctions against Russia

The European Council calls on all countries to comply with EU sanctions, especially the candidate countries, the summit said in a statement.

The adoption of the sixth EU sanctions package further intensifies pressure on Russia to end the war against Ukraine. Work will continue on sanctions, including to strengthen enforcement and prevent circumvention, it said.

Work should be completed quickly on the Council decision adding the infringement of the Union restrictive measures to the EU list of crimes.

Russia, using food as a weapon in its war against Ukraine, is solely responsible for the global food security crisis it has caused. The European Council urges Russia to immediately stop targeting agricultural facilities and grain removal and lift the blockade of the Black Sea, in particular the port of Odessa, to allow grain exports and commercial maritime activities. The European Council supports the efforts of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to this end.

The European Council emphasizes that EU sanctions against Russia allow for the free movement of agricultural products and foodstuffs and the provision of humanitarian aid. The European Council strongly supports Solidarity Corridor efforts to facilitate food exports from Ukraine through various EU land routes and ports. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, in particular the FARM initiative and the United Nations and of the G7, to intensify their efforts:

(1) support developing countries to reorient, where necessary, their supply chains

(2) accelerate the implementation of the relevant Team Europe flagship initiatives agreed at the recent EU-Africa Summit, which seek to develop sustainable food production, enhance agricultural production, including protein crops, and African continent and

(3) work on joint initiatives with international partners to support capacity building related to imports into developing countries, in particular sustainable fertilizers.

The conclusions also state that the European Council discussed Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine in its various dimensions. The European Council reiterates its firm support for Ukraine and that the European Union will continue to provide strong support for Ukraine’s overall economic, military, social and economic resilience, including humanitarian aid.

The “27” strongly condemns Russia’s indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and urges Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders. International humanitarian law, including the treatment of prisoners of war, must be respected. Ukrainians, especially children who have been forcibly removed to Russia, must be allowed to return safely immediately. Russia, Belarus and all those responsible for war crimes and other serious crimes will be held accountable for their actions in accordance with international law.

The European Union remains firmly committed to providing further military support to help Ukraine exercise its inherent right to self-defense against Russian aggression and to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty. To this end, the European Council calls on the Council to work rapidly to further increase military support.

The European Council notes that the Commission will shortly submit a proposal for a new emergency macro-financial assistance of up to EUR 9 billion to Ukraine in 2022. Calls on the Commission to submit swiftly its proposals for EU support for the reconstruction of Ukraine. , in consultation with international partners, organizations and experts.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ