EU unity on Russian sanctions ‘starting to crumble’, German minister says -Breaking
[ad_1]
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO – Plastic letters that read “Sanctions”, are displayed in front of the flag colors for Russia and EU in this illustration, taken on February 28, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File PhotoBERLIN, (Reuters) – German Economy Minister Robert Habeck said Sunday that he was worried about the European Union’s “beginning to crumble” before a summit discussing an oil embargo against Russia as well as plans to reduce dependence on Russian energy.
The EU’s leaders are expected to meet Monday and Tuesday in order to review a revised sanctions package for Russia. It could also include an oil embargo as well as a programme to reduce dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
We saw the potential for Europe to stand united after Russia’s aggression on Ukraine. We hope the summit continues as this with a look to tomorrow. It is beginning to fall apart again,” Habeck said at a press conference.
European nations struggled Friday to agree to a treaty to suspend seaborne Russian oil deliveries but permit pipeline deliveries. This was a compromise that would win over Hungary as well as remove new sanctions on Moscow.
Habeck demanded that Germany speak out at the summit with one voice, rather than abstaining due to disagreements within its ruling coalition. He demanded similar unity in other EU nations.
Europe is still an enormous economic region with extraordinary economic power. Habeck stated that Europe can still use its economic power if it is united at the Hannover Messe trade fair.
[ad_2]
