07/23/2022 19:43 (act 07/23/2022 19:43)
Von der Leyen cannot imagine normalization with Putin ©APA/AFP
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is not worried about Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin’s blackmail attempts in the energy sector. Since the beginning of the war, Putin had “repeatedly tried” to “blackmail and divide us by providing energy”, von der Leyen told the Kurier newspaper (Sunday edition). “He will fail again,” von der Leyen said. The European Commission’s gas saving plan creates “a safety net for all member states”.
“No one should be freezing in Europe this winter,” emphasized von der Leyen. With the EU Commission’s proposal to reduce gas consumption by 15% between August 1 and March 31, “we can safely spend the winter even if the Russian gas supply is completely cut off”, he emphasized.
Von der Leyen clearly refused to normalize relations with the warmonger in the Kremlin. A normal relationship with Putin is “inconceivable”, she said. “Russia is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Putin, however, unleashed this barbaric war. This violation of our peace order weighs heavily.”
The EU Commission is concerned about the consequences of high energy prices, but there are several possible countermeasures. For example, EU states can use emissions trading revenues to help low-income people pay their energy bills, von der Leyen said. In addition, the Austrian boiler replacement program is supported with funds from the EU Corona Fund.
Von der Leyen rejected calls to end EU support for Ukraine. What is at stake in Ukraine is “nothing less than preserving the European peace architecture”. “Only Ukraine will decide whether and how negotiations will be carried out with Russia,” said the former German defense minister, who also justified the billions in support of the attacked country. “Solidarity has its price, but the lack of solidarity costs much more.”
Even with the EU sanctions, it was clear from the start that they “also entail certain costs for us”. However, we try to keep this as low as possible. “Many of us have lived for decades with the self-image that there is peace and democracy in Europe for free. Putin put an abrupt end to that illusion on February 24,” von der Leyen said.