Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the 27 heads of state and government at the EU summit in the form of a video. In his speech, an EU official said, he again called for tougher sanctions in the energy sector in order to increase pressure on Moscow. The Baltic states are also increasingly pushing for the embargo on Russian gas and oil – because as long as the EU buys energy from Russia, the war would be co-financed, so is the argument for the sanctions.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) referred to the security of supply after the EU summit. All of Europe is currently working on independence from Russian gas and repositioning in terms of energy security, as Nehammer stressed for ORF.at. But it takes time. The Federal Chancellor called for EU unity: “It makes no sense for member states to play against each other. Those who do not need Russian gas may demand sanctions, but those who are dependent on Russian gas cannot do so. ” Along with Austria, Germany also opposed the embargo.
AP / Olivier Matthys Nehammer (ÖVP) with Council President Charles Michel at the EU Summit
“Creativity” required for sanctions
Nevertheless, according to Nehammer, it is a question of further tightening sanctions in order to finally bring about a ceasefire in Ukraine. This requires a certain amount of “creativity” with regard to possible alternative sanctions. Nehammer said, inter alia, about European components that are used in Russian types of weapons and aircraft. Reducing them would also reduce the influence of the Russians.
According to the chancellor, the sanctions are still subject to Friday’s assessments. “What other adjustments could be made to tighten the sanctions regime?” In addition, existing sanctions would have to be assessed and any gaps closed. The effects of the sanctions already introduced are already “noticeable”.
In the latest draft final declaration for the EU summit, which is available to ORF.at, it says quite broadly: Further sanctions can be decided quickly. Any attempt to circumvent already adopted sanctions or assist Russia in any other way must be stopped.
Schaidreiter (ORF) on Western reactions
Raffaela Schaidreiter comments on the first results of NATO, EU and G7 alliance meetings on Thursday in Brussels.
Continued strong support for Ukraine
Moreover, according to the draft, the EU wants to continue to provide Ukraine with coordinated political, financial, material and humanitarian support. For example, it was decided to create a solidarity fund to provide financial support to Ukraine. A declaration conference will be organized in due course to raise funds for the fund.
In view of the huge influx of refugees from Ukraine, the EU also swears that it is united in dealing with war refugees. We appreciate all the efforts that have already been made to accommodate the people. At the same time, all Member States are urged to intensify their efforts “in a constant spirit of unity and solidarity”.
The European Commission should take all necessary steps to support these efforts. In their declaration, EU countries also called on the European Commission to present a proposal for a further structure of financial support for host countries.
Reuters / Evelyn Hockstein “Signal of Unity”: for the first time in history, the US president attended an EU summit
Biden: An appeal for unity
At the beginning of the meeting, Joe Biden, who was the first US president to attend the EU summit, called for unity in the West. Nothing is more important than maintaining the unity of allies in NATO, the European Union and the G7. “This is the most important thing we can do to stop this man who we believe has already committed war crimes in our country.”
Putin wants to show that democracies will not work in the 21st century due to the rapid changes in the world. And that autocracies will rule, according to Biden. You have to counteract this, so appeal.
Former Lehne diplomat on Western reactions
Stefan Lehne from the American think tank Carnegie Europe and former director of the State Department comments on possible alternative directions of the West’s actions in connection with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
EU Summit Project: Russia Commits War Crimes
The European Union is likely to follow the US government’s assessment that Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine. As we read in the summit draft: “Russia is carrying out attacks on civilians, targeting civilian facilities, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shelters. These war crimes must stop immediately. ” In the previous draft, the word “crime” was used. The US government officially accused Russian troops in Ukraine of war crimes for the first time on Wednesday.
The 27 EU countries urge Russia to immediately end its attack on Ukraine, withdraw all forces and equipment, and recognize the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. Civilians trapped in the war zone must be able to exit safely, all hostages will be released immediately and free humanitarian access ensured. Russia must fulfill its obligations under international law.
Clear words at the NATO and G7 summit
So, while the first day of the summit was devoted to defense and security policy, Friday will focus on higher energy prices. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Thursday that the US and the EU will “present a new chapter in our energy partnership” on Friday. It is about additional supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US to the EU in place of Russian liquefied natural gas.
NATO warns Moscow not to use chemical weapons
The summit marathon started on Thursday morning with a NATO marathon followed by the G7 meeting. NATO warned Russia about the far-reaching consequences of that country’s use of chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine.
This follows a statement following a special NATO summit in Brussels on Thursday. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the use of chemical or biological weapons could also affect the population of NATO countries. The G7 countries also hit Russia hard. Biden also called for Russia to be excluded from the G20. The decision, however, depends on Indonesia, the current president of the G20 and other members.