Charles Michel, President of the European Fee: “I’m assured that the settlement on Russian property will likely be supported by all EU nations”

2024-06-13 10:56:20

Charles Michel, President of the European Feewill take part this Thursday – with the President of the European Fee Ursula von der Leyen, representing the EU – within the first debate tables that may happen on the primary day of G7 inside Apulia (Italy). Earlier than, he had time to interview a small group of European journalists, amongst them EL PERIÓDICO.

Are you able to clarify what precisely you might be discussing about Russian property within the G7?

The very first thing I need to keep in mind is that, from the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has been made clear that Russia will likely be accountable for its aggression. I personally have made statements supporting the concept that we must always goal frozen property however I do know it will likely be tough due to worldwide legal guidelines and our monetary points. That can be the rationale why the European Fee developed some concrete measures and we made some progress, which exhibits that it’s attainable to do with the G7, with the People, to enhance our measures and to place extra money and sooner to Ukraine. As a result of they want cash now. So, at this second, I’m very assured that an settlement will likely be reached (among the many G7 nations).

However is that this 50 billion that we’re speaking about changing 3 billion euros per 12 months for Ukraine from the fund lately created by the EU with cash from earnings generated by chilly Russian property?

Right now I can not share the main points of the settlement. However I can say that that is along with 100,000 million euros [la UE] He had already led Ukraine for the reason that starting of the struggle.

Are you apprehensive that the EU will say sure to the brand new proposal however then there will likely be nations within the group that don’t agree?

I attempted to decide on the correct phrases to specific myself on this matter. I’m assured, very assured, that there will likely be an settlement right here on the G7 and that each one the EU nations will help it, as a result of we’re in shut contact with all of the heads of state and their events in order that these is not going to be stunned. about this concept.

Is it attainable that negotiations for Ukraine’s accession to the EU will start throughout your presidency?

That is what I hope for, however we’re additionally making ready conferences with member nations, even these which are slightly gradual. We are attempting to cease the political debate.

Will Hungary be an issue?

It isn’t a secret. Prior to now we needed to make clear some factors with Hungary however we managed systematically to make choices.

Let’s discuss Gaza. Now there’s a new ceasefire proposal. Ought to we count on something from the G7 on this?

I simply returned from Jordan the place I participated in an initiative launched by the king of Jordan, Egypt and the UN. It is necessary that we attend these conferences to grasp the attitude of the group. From our perspective, and this will likely be proven in right this moment’s discussions, there are three necessary issues. The very first thing is that the struggle has to cease now. That’s the reason it’s sure {that a} choice is authorised [en el Consejo de Seguridad] from ONU. It’s sure that there’s recommendation (from US President Joe) Biden. We’re urging this proposal for quick withdrawal, an finish to the struggle, and the discharge of all hostages. [secuestrados por Hamas]. The second factor is that there’s a humanitarian disaster and it isn’t acceptable. […] We do not settle for double requirements and that is why we should put extra stress on human entry. [de ayuda a a Gaza]. As we converse greater than 70,000 kids are separated from their mother and father, many are orphans. That is horrible. And three factors, the two-state answer and the peace course of. […] After all the state of affairs is tough, however now we see a chance […] and we see that the Arab nations are working laborious for a selected thought. That is necessary as a result of this struggle impacts many voters [por el conflicto israelí-palestino]however it additionally has different penalties, such because the polarization in Europe.

There are some far-right formations with a great relationship with (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu. What’s your evaluation?

It’s a excellent level and I don’t care about the results of the election, and I feel it’s the curiosity of the European Fee to say what the instructions for the longer term will likely be. […] That’s the reason now we have insisted from the European Council that [se tiene que respetar] worldwide legislation, there are not any double requirements, these are fundamental ideas, and I belief that leaders will keep consistent with these ideas. We face two main crises, Ukraine, which is a direct menace to the steadiness of Europe and the world, and on the identical time now we have this catastrophic state of affairs within the Center East, and I imagine that now we have to regulate to the ideas, with out biases. .

What language will they use within the G7 to consult with China? Will the cruel tones of the Hiroshima assembly be used?

Two factors. First, which is said to Ukraine and its regional stability, I imagine that we must always not surrender and we must always make it clear that we count on China to have a extra steady place in actually defending the Constitution of the United Nations and the ideas of territorial integrity and sovereignty from Ukraine. It is extremely unhappy that China is not going to take part within the Ukraine peace convention that will likely be held in Switzerland. The second factor: on the G7 degree, after all, now we have to unite as a result of we’re essentially the most superior economies on this planet and we defend the ideas of freedom and democracy, we work collectively. It is a chance to have a standard method on financial safety, which is one thing we’ll talk about, in addition to methods to diversify our provide chains. We need to enhance our relationship with China. However we nonetheless have issues to debate amongst ourselves. I’m not positive that we’re all within the G7 the identical method, for instance, on the carbon worth, one thing that is essential to struggle local weather change.