More EU Sanctions Against Russia

Sevastopol

The Council, which represents EU member states, has adopted restrictive measures, within the existing sanctions framework, on five more individuals. This, it says, is for “actively supporting actions and implementing policies that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.” “The persons designated are members of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, who…

€11.3 billion EFSF loan for Greece

Greece EFSF Loan

The Board of Directors of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) decided to reduce to zero the step-up margin accrued by Greece for the period between 17 June 2021 and 1 January 2022, as part of the medium-term debt relief measures agreed for the country in 2018. The value of this sixth successive reduction amounts…

€1.4 bn Emergency Loans to Ukraine to Foster Stability

EO Loans for Ukraine

The EU has announced that it will provide an emergency macro-financial assistance operation of €1.2 billion in the form of loans to foster stability in Ukraine. It intends to provide swift support in a situation of acute crisis and to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience. The Council finalised the adoption on Monday only 21 days after the Commission presented its proposal. The…

Turning Point For Europe’s Relations with Russia

Bütikoferspeaks out against Russia

Commenting on Russia invading Ukraine, Reinhard Bütikofer, foreign policy coordinator of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament, has spoken out against countries being under the “Soviet yoke.” He said on the sanctions policy against the new Russian aggression against Ukraine, “Putin’s official invasion of Ukraine under the pretext of having to protect the extremist separatists…

Commission President Issues Robust Statement on Russia

Ursula von der Leyen

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has issued a robust statement in response to latest developments in the Ukraine crisis. She said, “EU Member States have given their political agreement for a new package of sanctions against Russia. I welcome this. Russia’s decision to recognise the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk is illegal and…