The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, deplored on behalf of the EU, on 15 May, Russia’s characterisation of the Czech Republic and the United States as unfriendly States, underlining the EU’s full solidarity with both countries.
The Russian government has published a list of ‘unfriendly States’ that have allegedly carried out ‘hostile actions’ against Russia, its citizens or entities.
“The European Union deplores the publication of Measures in ‘Response to Unfriendly Actions of Foreign States’, following the unprecedented Decree signed by President Putin on 23 April. The EU considers the allegations of unfriendly actions as unfounded”, stressed Mr Borrell.
He called on Russia to reconsider its decision, “to avoid a further deterioration of our relationship that is already under strain”. The EU will continue to coordinate its position with its partners, the High Representative warned.
He found the Decree incompatible with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations on the duty of the host State to ensure the functioning of diplomatic missions, calling on Moscow to comply fully with the Convention.
On 14 May, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, described the Russian decision as a “new escalation”, damaging diplomatic relations. “Efforts to divide the EU are futile”, he warned. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)