Board member of Davos World Economic Forum: Europe must reset relations with Russia
Philipp Rösler, a Managing Director of the World Economic Forum in Davos who was formerly the German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economy, said that Europe must improve its relations with Russia.
In an interview with the German newspaper Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, Rösler said that "in the current desperate situation" it is necessary for the EU to reboot its relations with Russia. According to him, welfare in Europe is only possible when there is unity. Therefore, both sides should send the relevant signals that they are willing to reboot their relationship, he said.
However, Rösler acknowledged that it is first and foremost Europe’s business to achieve mutual understanding in the European continent and not Washington’s. He also stated that the question of how to deal with "the country that stayed extremely important [Russia]” after the collapse of the Soviet Union was never resolved.
"Today we see what conflicts could be generated due to this omission," the politician said.
Speaking about the EU’s recent decision to extend sanctions against Russia, Rösler said the measures primarily effect normal Russia people, not politicians, and the sanctions damage the EU’s economy. According to him, such restrictive measures are “unsuitable” as political means.
The World Economic Forum in Davos will be held from January 17th to 20th.