The European Union is firmly determined to completely cease the import of energy resources from the Russian Federation, emphasized the European Commissioner while commenting on the recent initiative by Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever regarding the possible normalization of relations with Russia to gain access to its energy resources.
This is reported by Finway
Sanctions on Russian Oil and Gas
According to him, the EU has already adopted legislative measures that include a ban on the import of Russian gas, as well as an expansion of sanctions on oil from Russia. Despite the fact that currently two member countries have exceptions to this rule, the European Commissioner stressed the importance of maintaining unity and consistency on this issue.
“We in the European Union have decided that we do not want to import Russian energy resources. Before Christmas, we passed a law that prohibits the import of gas from Russia. I also stated that we will promote a ban on Russian oil. We already have sanctions on Russian oil, but two countries have exceptions. In my opinion, it is very important that we stick to this line,” said the European Commissioner, commenting on the statement by the head of the Belgian government, Bart De Wever, who proposed to normalize relations with Russia to gain access to Russian energy resources.
Refusal of Dependency and Belgium’s Position
European leaders believe that further dependence on Russian energy resources contradicts the security and values of the EU and could contribute to financing Russia’s war against Ukraine. The European Commissioner emphasized that Europe must remain consistent and not repeat the mistakes of the past, when energy dependence allowed Putin to use energy as a tool of blackmail.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prevot also warned that attempts to restore relations with Russia would be perceived as a sign of weakness on the part of Europe. According to officials, the European Union will adhere to a course of complete abandonment of Russian fuel.
Photo: European Parliament