Applications of the new package against Russia
Foreign Ministers on Monday agreed on a new package of documents against Russia, which the European Commission presented in the last post. It does not include a ban on gas imports, but there is an embargo on the sale of Russian gold and an already limited trade in dual-use goods. Experts believe that measures are not enough to stop such a Russian war machine. However, by appointment of the head of EU diplomacy
Foreign Ministers on Monday agreed on a new package of documents against Russia, which the European Commission presented in the last post. It does not include a ban on gas imports, but there is an embargo on the sale of Russian gold and an already limited trade in dual-use goods. Experts believe that measures are not enough to stop such a Russian war machine. However, on the appointment of the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, 6 packages were applied, which already have serious consequences.
“Now that the war is dragging on, people in Europe and elsewhere deserve special attention to whether these sanctions work and/or whether the costs of their effects are too high. We do not belittle the various problems that are increasing, including the increase in mutual interests, but at the same time, the high importance of the community is noted.
After the decision was made in 2014, Russia called for action, Borrell said, but currently it will be much more difficult to “replace imports” for high-tech products required by the restrictions.
The head of EU diplomacy stressed that Europe should not ease sanctions against Russia, but on the contrary, it is worth going for a “detoxification” from Russian energy carriers, even at the cost of rising prices and inconvenience for the Europeans themselves.
“Europe must show strategic patience. The war will be long, the test of endurance will be maintained. We have no other choice,” Borrell wrote.
At the same time, according to the expert of the Center for European Policy Amanda Paul (Amanda Paul, EPC) measures taken by the EU – including a new ban on Russian gold – are not enough to turn the tide.
“This is a positive signal, but there is still a lot of work to be done. It is very important that the European Union do what the Ukrainians are asking – stop buying Russian gas, and do it as soon as possible. Because this is what can really change the course of events. While we continue for gas, Putin’s war machine does not stop – everything is very simple, ”says Amanda Paul.
According to her, the EU must comply with Ukraine by 110 percent.
“Yes, it will be more and more difficult for the European Union, both politically and economically, as things improve. But we must be in the same boat with Ukraine, and not try to jump off without reaching the final goal, ”the expert says.
However, according to the European Commission, the EU has already begun to depend on Russian gas. If in 2021 the share of Russian gas in use will be 40%, then by mid-2022 it will be 20%. However, this is due not only to the fact that European companies refuse Russian gas, but also to the fact that Gazprom itself stops deliveries, the European Commission says. The 12 EU member states have already experienced either interruptions or complete consumption of gas from Russia.
Against this background, Europe is negotiating with alternative gas suppliers. These are Norway, Qatar, Israel, Azerbaijan and Nigeria.
On Monday, July 18, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, signed an agreement with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to double the selection of gas from Azerbaijan in the application. Now the country supplies 8 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU, in a year, according to the documentation, the supply should increase to 12 billion, and in a few years to 20 billion cubic meters.
6 packages were applied, already having a serious effect.
“Now that the war is dragging on, people in Europe and elsewhere deserve special attention to whether these sanctions work and/or whether the costs of their effects are too high. We do not belittle the various problems that are increasing, including the increase in mutual interests, but at the same time, the high importance of the community is noted.
After the decision was made in 2014, Russia called for action, Borrell said, but currently it will be much more difficult to “replace imports” for high-tech products required by the restrictions.
The head of EU diplomacy stressed that Europe should not ease sanctions against Russia, but on the contrary, it is worth going for a “detoxification” from Russian energy carriers, even at the cost of rising prices and inconvenience for the Europeans themselves.
“Europe must show strategic patience. The war will be long, the test of endurance will be maintained. We have no other choice,” Borrell wrote.
At the same time, according to the expert of the Center for European Policy Amanda Paul (Amanda Paul, EPC) measures taken by the EU – including a new ban on Russian gold – are not enough to turn the tide.
“This is a positive signal, but there is still a lot of work to be done. It is very important that the European Union do what the Ukrainians are asking – stop buying Russian gas, and do it as soon as possible. Because this is what can really change the course of events. While we continue for gas, Putin’s war machine does not stop – everything is very simple, ”says Amanda Paul.
According to her, the EU must comply with Ukraine by 110 percent.
“Yes, it will be more and more difficult for the European Union, both politically and economically, as things improve. But we must be in the same boat with Ukraine, and not try to jump off without reaching the final goal, ”the expert says.
However, according to the European Commission, the EU has already begun to depend on Russian gas. If in 2021 the share of Russian gas in use will be 40%, then by mid-2022 it will be 20%. However, this is due not only to the fact that European companies refuse Russian gas, but also to the fact that Gazprom itself stops deliveries, the European Commission says. The 12 EU member states have already experienced either interruptions or complete consumption of gas from Russia.
Against this background, Europe is negotiating with alternative gas suppliers. These are Norway, Qatar, Israel, Azerbaijan and Nigeria.
On Monday, July 18, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, signed an agreement with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to double the selection of gas from Azerbaijan in the application. Now the country supplies 8 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU, in a year, according to the documentation, the supply should increase to 12 billion, and in a few years to 20 billion cubic meters.