Strasbourg, 09/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - MEPs made clear, in a debate on relations between the EU and Russia on Tuesday 9 June, how important it is to maintain the unity of the European Union, to talk to Russia and to keep sanctions in place for as long as is necessary.
Speaking for the EPP, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski (Poland) said: “The most important in relations with Russia is consistency and constancy in our actions, and remaining united”, arguing that “relations with Russia have never been so bad”. “The S&D wants to strengthen dialogue and diplomacy, including parliamentary diplomacy” said Liisa Jaakonsaari (Finland) for the S&D Group. While sanctions can be tightened, if necessary, “it is important to have a fresh vision, a new philosophy towards relations. If we continue to point the finger of blame at one another, if we don't open up new prospects, we can only continue in a downward spiral”, she added.
“The key will be Russia again respecting international law”, stated Johannes Cornelis Van Baalen (Netherlands) on behalf of the ALDE Group, stressing the return of Crimea to Ukraine and implementation and observance of the Minsk agreement. “We have to be hard with Putin but we have to look to cooperate with Russian civil society. Many Russians want peace. It will take time. … We have to be resolute, not give in and let time do its work”, he added. For Anna Elzbieta Fotyga (ECR, Poland), “Russia is trying to extend its influence in the world and that means an aggressive policy”. “We want to maintain dialogue, be friendly, but we mustn't fool ourselves. We have to know which Russia we're talking about”, she said. “It's very important that things change and we realise the importance of 'soft power' and not become embroiled in power politics”, argued Rebecca Harms (Greens/EFA, Germany). “What is needed is a diplomatic solution based on 'soft power' but no one is saying this”, stated Fabio Massimo Castaldo (Italy) for the EFDD. He also called for an end to “opportunistic application” of EU foreign policy, “dependent on realpolitik and the political goals to be achieved”.
The representatives of the EPP, S&D, Greens and ECR called for sanctions against Russia to be kept in place. Saryusz-Wolski said that “sanctions are the best response to Russia's policy of aggression”. “Sanctions are essential”, in the view of Jaakonsaari, and Fotyga, too, called for sanctions to be maintained. “We mustn't abandon sanctions but they have to be understandable and reliable for all stakeholders and for everyone”, said Harms.
The GUE and the non-attached MEPs made clear their opposition to the report by Gabrielius Landsbergis (EPP, Lithuania) on the state of play in EU-Russia relations. “EU-Russia relations have been paralysed for some time. To change the process, what is needed is confidence rather than power politics, empathy rather than political fumigation, some kind of cooperation rather than escalation or exclusion”, argued Helmut Scholz (Germany) for the GUE, stating that the report “does not seek a solution or a way out of this impasse, but merely to punish a government”. Aymeric Chauprade (non-attached, France) claimed that MEPs form part of the war parties who are preventing any dialogue. He described the report as “dangerous”.
The Commission, represented by Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality Commissioner Vera Jourova highlighted the importance of unity among the member states. “That means not reducing the policy to the lowest common denominator but pursuing a comprehensive approach and a strategy of patience and vision”, she said. “The EU stands ready to open predictable and mutually enriching relations with Russia”, she added (our translation throughout). (Camille-Cerise Gessant)