The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, revealed on Tuesday 15 November the EU’s new approach towards Russia, which he described as “common sense”.
While he said that in the midst of a war it was difficult to say what the future relationship would be like, Mr Borrell felt that there was a strong unity among Europeans on six main points.
First, Russia must be isolated internationally, which is “also a geopolitical battle”.
For Mr Borrell, the second focus is on accountability, holding Russia, the perpetrators and accomplices responsible for the violation of human rights and international law.
The third point concerns support for the EU’s neighbours, including the Western Balkans, to help them cope with the overall consequences of the war.
Another focus is on working closely with NATO and partners around the world to defend the rules-based international order and reject the notion of spheres of influence that was used in the last century. “In the twenty-first century, no one has to be part of a sphere of influence. The European security order must reject this idea of areas of influence”, warns the High Representative.
Borrell also advocates strengthening the EU’s resilience in terms of energy, critical infrastructure and the fight against information manipulation. He felt that growing threats to security and public order in the EU should also be addressed, “because Putin believes that some events in the international arena could be useful for him”.
Finally, the last area of focus concerns support for civil society, human rights defenders and independent media inside and outside Russia. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)