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US President Joe Biden arrives in Brussels on March 23 for a three-day trip to Europe which will then take him to Poland. He will participate in three international summits, that of NATO, the G7 and the European Union.
From our permanent special correspondent
The diplomatic program is particularly busy. Just this Thursday, March 24, Joe Biden will participate in no less than three extraordinary international summits, obviously on the theme of the war in Ukraine. First the NATO summit, then that of the G7 and finally, as a guest, that of the European Union.
The goal displayed by the White House is to maintain unity between allies, displayed since the beginning of the crisis and then the Russian invasion. The American president is particularly keen on it. He heard the criticisms after the chaotic and unilateral withdrawal from Afghanistan and he stages this unity by regularly publishing accounts of his talks with his European allies and partners as he says and, above all, by taking great care to on an equal footing with them, not putting themselves forward, even if it means giving them the floor most often and not intervening on the issue every day.
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Strengthen sanctions
There are two main points, first the sanctions. The White House has already warned that new sanctions will be taken this Thursday. First by strengthening the existing sanctions, which are unprecedented, to ensure that they cannot be circumvented by Russia.
In addition, discussions are apparently underway to reduce European dependence on Russian gas and oil. The United States has already announced an embargo on Russian energy products. In Washington, it is recognized that it is undoubtedly easier for the United States, in particular with regard to gas, but perhaps solutions can be found for part of European oil imports.
French TotalEnergies has just decided to stop its purchases of Russian oil by the end of the year. The other point is strategic. Joe Biden will discuss with his NATO partners a long-term adjustment to the alliance’s presence in Eastern Europe.
► To listen too : The war in Ukraine: a major turning point for NATO?
Off to Poland
Poland is one of those NATO members from Eastern Europe. On the program for Friday and Saturday, there are meetings with the American military in the country and with the Polish president. The country has a common border with Ukraine and hosts a large number of refugees. Humanitarian aid and the reception of these refugees should be among the main themes of this trip. It is because for the national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, this war will not end easily or quickly.
► Also to listen: War in Ukraine: what becomes of refugee women and children in Poland
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