The Russian war in Ukraine yesterday reached its gruesome two-months anniversary. While thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing their country to seek refuge in Western Europe, the EU is trying to stop Russia through a myriad of sanctions.
Tag: Russia
Minute of silence in the EP for victims of Russian aggression
In the opening session of the European Parliament’s plenary meeting in April, President Roberta Metsola led a minute of silence for the victims of the war in Ukraine and around the world.
EU Parliament President: ‘Ukraine is Europe’
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola visited Kiev on Friday in an effort to show the Parliaments support for Ukraine. In her speech in front of the Ukrainian Rada she praised the resistance of Ukraine against the Russian invasion and called for further assistance.
EU Commission: filled gas storage facilities will foster energy security
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russian aggression have brought into question the EU’s energy security. This has led to thoughts over what measures might need to be taken to ensure the EU’s gas supply in the coming years, given the energy dependency on Russia.
EU Leaders: ‘take more responsibility for our security’
According to a draft document by the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, seen by Speaking of Europe, EU leaders will be announcing a shift in its strategy on three vital themes : defence, energy and economy.
EU Commission launches EU sanctions whistleblower tool
The European Commission is launching an EU sanctions whistleblower tool that should increase the effectiveness of the sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. People that are aware of possible violations of any EU sanctions can use the tool to anonymously report them.
protests in brussels: ‘Nato act now!’
More than 5,000 people gathered in front of the Permanent Mission of Russia to the EU in Brussels on Saturday, 26th of February, to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. People remained there for part of the afternoon as they were singing Ukrainian songs, giving speeches. They were shouting “Protect our sky!” or “NATO act now” together, hoping that their message would pass through the Avenue des Arts and reach the doors of the Russian representation.
a ‘swift’ response?
In an extraordinary summit in the evening of Thursday 24 February, EU leaders met to discuss what Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called a ‘package of massive and targeted sanctions’. Earlier that day, Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba pleaded to ban Russia from the European payment system SWIFT. In the end, the ban did not happen.
Russian invasion overshadows estonia’s independence day
While Estonia is celebrating its Independence Day, many fear an escalation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While usually the day is celebrated with a parade, a speech by the president and a lot of potato salad and vodka, this time young people in the Baltic country are jokingly saying: ‘happy last Independence Day’.
European Parliament Groups: ‘EU must act now’
While Russian convoys of military trucks and armed vehicles are crossing the border into the Ukrainian regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, groups in the European Parliament are calling for the EU to act as soon as possible. Many condemn Putin’s actions and are calling for new sanctions.