EU Foreign Ministers agree on five principles for cooperation with Russia
The EU Diplomacy Chief stated that member states support the five key principles for building relations with Russia. Italian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers spoke out against the automatic prolongation of sanctions against Moscow.
On March 14, at the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, discussed with the Foreign Ministers of the member states the five principles for cooperation with Russia. The AFP Agency reported that she received support from all the members.
According to Mogherini, the principles are as follows. First, a condition for the EU’s change in attitude towards Russia is to be fully implemented to the Minsk Agreements; moreover, Brussels will never recognize the annexation of Crimea. Secondly, the European Union will strengthen partnerships with Central Asia and other Eastern countries. Thirdly, to increase energy and strategic stability of the EU. Fourth, the principle of selection of interaction with the RF, and common interests like Syria or North Korea are a priority. Lastly, support to civil society in Russia, deepening the contact between individuals in Russia and the EU, youth in particular.
Rome and Budapest are against the automatic prolongation of the sanctions
The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy called the decision to prolong sanctions against Russia "a political issue", but not a technical one, and the position of all EU members should be taken into account. At the same time, Italian and Hungarian Foreign Ministers suggested that the EU should not “automatically” prolong restrictions against Russia. "Decisions shouldn’t be made by turning a blind eye to a number of issues," Reuters reports, citing Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Siarto. Baltic States and Poland are scared of the Russian aggression and insist on the continuation of sanctions.
Last week, the Committee of the Permanent Representatives in the European Union (COREPER) reached a decision to prolong sanctions against certain Russian officials, separatists’ leaders in Ukraine and enterprises and organizations until mid-September. Economic sanctions have been extended until the end of July.