For the EU countries, “the moment has come to show firmness and unity” to counter Russia’s attempts to destabilize Ukraine, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, said in his blog on Sunday, December 19.
“We know that words and statements alone are not enough to change the calculations of the Russian leadership,” which is pulling troops to the borders of Ukraine, said the head of EU diplomacy. Therefore, he added, it is so important that European leaders decided to extend the existing economic sanctions and “warned Russia of serious consequences in case of any action against Ukraine.”
“Russia uses energy resources as a political tool”
The crisis near Ukraine’s borders is unfolding against the backdrop of extremely high energy prices, Borrell noted: in December alone, gas prices rose by 40%, and compared with the summer, the increase was 300%.
According to the diplomat, Moscow uses energy resources as an instrument of political influence, as, for example, it happened in Moldova. “And although, strictly speaking, Russia is fulfilling its obligations on gas supplies, many see its refusal to increase export volumes to Europe or replenish the stocks of Gazprom-owned warehouses as a way of putting pressure on the EU. First of all, to obtain a license to launch the Nord Stream gas pipeline – 2 “, – he pointed out.
Borrell added that the European Commission does not consider this project a priority. According to him, the pipeline “continues to be a matter for discussion” and “in any case will have to comply with the requirements of European regulations.”
“Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”
Speaking about the growing tensions near the borders of Ukraine, the diplomat noted that Moscow’s ultimate intentions regarding Kiev are not clear, “except that it threatens Ukraine and seeks to weaken it.” “Various scenarios are possible. … We need to hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” he stressed.
Borrell also mentioned the list of requirements of the Russian Foreign Ministry to the US and NATO regarding “security guarantees.” The European Union should participate in such discussions, Borrell said, pointing out that the key principles of European security policy are set out in the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris: “The OSCE offers mechanisms and rules that remain the cornerstones of any interaction with Russia.”
“Europe is in danger”
The tensions in relations with Russia, as well as the “cruel, repressive and illegal nature of the regime of Alexander Lukashenko” in Belarus, according to Borrell, clearly demonstrate what threats Europe faces. Among them are “hybrid tactics, power politics, intimidation and disinformation.” “At stake is not only the fate of individual countries and societies,” the diplomat emphasizes, “but also the broader principles underlying the European security structure.”
Against this background, Borrell believes, the European Union “urgently needs to build up its security capacity.” In January, he intends to present to the EU foreign and defense ministers an updated version of the Strategic Compass concept of European security. The first line in the preface to this document reads: “Europe is in danger.” The Strategic Compass, in particular, will include recommendations for European countries regarding crisis management and the development of defense capabilities.
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