Von der Leyen: Russian aggression against Ukraine will come at a cost

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will come at a cost, the head of the European Commission warned today, but declined to say clearly whether a Moscow move would trigger European sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

The European Union (EU) has called on Russia to ease tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the “27” are ready to step up sanctions in the event of an invasion, Ursula von der Leyen said.

In a joint news conference in Brussels with new German Chancellor Olaf Solz, von der Leyen said the EU wants to have good relations with Russia, but that depends on Moscow’s stance. “We want de-escalation and an end to all aggression (actions) against Russia’s neighboring countries,” he said. “Otherwise the EU will seek to strengthen its sanctions and take other measures, in the economic field, in agreement with our partners (…) We want a good relationship with Russia, but that depends first and foremost on how we behave.” “Russia is adopting a threatening attitude towards its neighbors and this undermines Europe’s security,” he said.

Asked if sanctions could be imposed on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, the commission chair recalled that in June the European Council instructed the Commission to consider options for Russia “and now we have done so”. “Any aggression must have a price, so we will move these points to Russia, but we will not make them public,” he continued. “In general, it is important to say that energy cannot be a means of exerting pressure and that European energy security must be ensured,” he concluded.

Soltz declined to say what the consequences of a Russian invasion of Ukraine would be.

Referring to gas, the new German chancellor said that Berlin considers it a “temporary solution” to its efforts to decouple the economy from coal. “The other countries are pursuing different goals. We do not have an agreement yet, but everyone is discussing how to unite,” he said, when asked about differences with France over whether the EU should classify nuclear energy as “sustainable”.

Solz also stressed that the new German government clearly has a pro-European agenda and that Europe must remain united and act to tackle the health crisis. He added that he believes that the big challenge for Europe will be the modernization of industry.

SOURCE: AMPE