Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš participated in the European Council, the meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the European Union (EU) in Brussels, Belgium.
In the discussions, US President Joe Biden also discussed further joint action by the EU and the US to internationally isolate the Putin regime, which is carrying out the invasion of Ukraine.
Both further support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia were discussed in more detail at the meeting. At the European Council, the leaders of the member states also heard the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in video format. During the discussion, the leaders of the European member states expressed solidarity and confirmed that they would continue to provide humanitarian and military assistance to Ukraine in the fight against the aggressor.
In the talks on the next steps for the international isolation of the Putin regime, Karin emphasized the importance of the current transatlantic unity, as well as the need to stop the Putin regime’s cash flows by restricting Russia’s energy imports to Europe.
“I am convinced that Putin’s regime is a threat to the whole of democratic Europe – if you listen to what Putin and his comrades say in the evening news and TV discussions, it is clear that his army is fighting democracy, against the whole Western world. “If Putin is not stopped, he will not stop himself,” said Kariņš.
Leaders’ discussions focused not only on setting further sanctions, but also on the introduction and application of the extensive sanctions adopted in recent weeks, preventing the risks of circumvention. All EU Member States face different challenges and coordination at EU level is essential.
On the issue of reducing Russia’s energy independence, leaders have continued to work on a number of areas in which the EU needs to work – diversifying fossil energy supplies, investing in renewable energy, building further interconnections, building energy reserves, and energy efficiency.
The issue of high energy prices was also discussed, with Member States differing in their views on the short- and long-term solutions needed. Kariņš called not to be surprised by ill-considered, quick solutions that could negatively affect the functioning of the EU energy market.
To avoid this, EU leaders mandated the European Commission to develop various possible options to improve the functioning of the energy market.
At the European Council, leaders endorsed the EU Strategic Compass for Security and Defense. It is important that it emphasizes the role of transatlantic relations and the importance of EU-NATO cooperation, as well as adequately reflects Russia’s threat to European security.
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