European Union leaders have ruled out fulfilling Ukraine’s call for swift membership in the bloc during a meeting in France.
EU leaders gathered for a two-day informal summit in the Palace of Versailles near the French capital, Paris, on Thursday to discuss the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
While EU member states have fully joined Ukraine’s resistance, leaders are divided over how quickly the bloc could move to accept Ukraine as a member and how quickly the EU could sever energy ties with Moscow. .
What did EU leaders say about Ukraine’s possible accession?
During Thursday’s talks, EU leaders reiterated that a rapid pace to prevent membership was impossible.
“There is no fast track,” said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
“I want to focus on what we can do for Volodymyr Zelensky tonight, tomorrow, and Ukraine’s accession to the EU is something long-term – if at all,” he said.
The countries of the former Eastern bloc, led by Poland, have called for a stronger message towards EU membership.
“There are those who” believe that … Ukrainians are fighting for their lives and (deserve) a strong political message … and those who are still discussing the process, “said Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa.
In a joint statement issued by EU leaders early Friday, the European Council “acted swiftly” and called on the European Commission to submit its opinion on Ukraine’s application “in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaties”.
“Without delay, we will further strengthen our ties and deepen our cooperation to support Ukraine in pursuing its European path. Ukraine belongs to our European family,” the statement said.
The summit comes as more than 2.2 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries to seek refuge from Russian attacks, which have often hit civilian infrastructure.
The Russian invasion is widely regarded as destroying the European security order created after World War II and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The Russian invasion is now in the spotlight
The Versailles summit was originally intended to discuss the new EU economic model as a highlight of France’s six-month term in the rotating EU presidency, but this focus shifted to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which is widely seen as a breach. of international law.
“Russia resumed war in Europe two weeks ago. Russia’s unprovoked and unwarranted military offensive against Ukraine blatantly violates international law and the principles of the UN Charter and undermines European and global security and stability,” the statement said. of EU leaders.
The statement said EU member states would enforce sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion and were ready to take further action if necessary to maintain pressure on both Russia and Belarus.
“We are determined to increase our pressure on Russia and Belarus even further. We have adopted significant sanctions and we are ready to move quickly with further sanctions,” he said.
Ahead of the summit, French and German leaders Emanuel Macron and Olaf Solz jointly called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.
“We urge Russia to fully comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law. It must ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access for victims and internally displaced persons in Ukraine and allow the safe passage of civilians who wish to leave,” the joint statement said. said EU leaders.
Energy dependence underscores division in the EU
The debate over Europe’s energy dependence on Russian gas and oil has made the gap between EU Member States clear. Countries such as Germany, Austria and Hungary cover most of their energy needs with Russian fuel. Latvia and Poland, however, have called for an immediate halt to Russian imports.
Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karin, for example, expressed strong support for ending imports as a tool to shake Putin’s hand, saying: “I am convinced that we must decide to stop energy imports from Russia to bring in Putin at the negotiating table. and end this war. “
“In this moment of crisis,” said European Parliament President Roberta Metzola, “we must remember that energy is political – it always has been,” urging leaders to send a clear message to Moscow by restricting fuel imports.
Poland and Lithuania have already called for such a move as a way to oust Russia from its main source of funding for the war in Ukraine.
According to the Brussels-based Breugel think tank, EU member states currently spend 380 million euros ($ 420 million) on Russian gas and almost 362 million euros on Russian oil every day.
Despite putting the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline on ice as the war approached, German Chancellor Olaf Soltz was extremely reluctant to join the call for an immediate end to imports. Earlier this week, Scholz said there was currently no other way to meet Europe’s energy needs than through Russia.
In Versailles, the German leader advocated strict sanctions in order to put pressure on Russia. He also stressed the need to minimize the economic impact of such measures on EU citizens.
The war in Ukraine has led to a dramatic rise in energy prices, with European Commission President Ursula von der Layen informing attendees that she will submit proposals for emergency measures, such as temporary price caps, to be considered by the end of March. . .
dvv, tj, js / sms (AFP, AP, Reuters)
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