EU condemns Russian “elections” in Crimea

Brussels 18.03.2024 “The presidential elections held by Russia on 15-17 March took place in a highly restricted environment exacerbated also by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine” reads the statement by the High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU on Russian presidential elections and their non-applicability on Ukrainian territory. (Photo above: Crimea…

EU exchanges views with Chinese envoy

Brussels 05.04.2024 The European External Action Service (EEAS) Managing Directors for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Michael Siebert, and for Asia and the Pacific, Niclas Kvarnström, met the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government for Eurasian Affairs, Li Hui, in Brussels on 4 March, Monday. Li Hui serves as the Chinese Special Representative for Eurasian…

MEPs vote for intensive support of Ukraine

Strasbourg 29.02.2024 Today the European Parliament voted for a resolution in support of Ukraine, offering it “whatever is needed” for Kyiv to win its war against Russia, the MEPs said. The text, passed by 451 votes in favour, 46 against with 49 abstentions. The MEPs contemplated on the two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of…

MEPs strive for EU as “independent geopolitical player”

The EU must act decisively to define and defend its interests in the world, the MEPs conclude after a comprehensive debate. The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has sparked a chain of shocks in the global economy and added pressure on countries in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership, the European Parliament warns…

Navalny widow addresses MEPs

Strasbourg 28.02.2024 Today the widow of the assassinated Russian anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny, Yulia, addressed the European Parliament. On the occasion the president of the Europarliament Roberta Metsola said “…For many in Russia and outside, Alexei Navalny represented hope. Hope for better days. Hope for a free Russia. Hope for the future.” Further the president…

Russia: EU appalled by Orlov sentence

Strasbourg 27.02.2024 “The European Union is appalled by the sentencing of Oleg Orlov, a prominent human rights defender and co-chair of renowned human rights organisation “Memorial”, to two and a half years in prison on politically motivated charges” the press release reads. “Orlov had committed no crime or offence, he has exercised his Constitutional right…

Commission welcomes XIII Russia sanctions package

Brussels 23.02.2024 “The Commission welcomes the Council’s (pictured) adoption of a 13th package of sanctions against Russia. Two years since Russia brutally invaded Ukraine, EU’s support for Ukraine and its people remains as strong as ever, – the European Commission press-release reads. Europe is united and determined to continue defending its values and founding principles….

EU: Russian Chargé d’affaires summoned

Brussels 20.02.2024 The EEAS Managing Director for Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, regional cooperation and OSCE, Michael Siebert, summoned the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Mission of the Russian Federation to the European Union, Kirill Logvinov, in Brussels. (Image above: Russia countryside). The EU side conveyed EU’s outrage over the death of the Russian opposition…

EU: Navalny widow greeted by Borrell

Brussels 19.02.2024 Today Yulia Navaly, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who perished in Russian prison on February 16 meets the EU Foreign affairs ministers. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said on X that Navalnaya will be at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. “Today, we will have here with us…

Munich: Borrell supports UNRWA

High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, kicked off the Munich Security Conference with a meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, on 16 February. High Representative Borrell and the UN Secretary-General Guterres discussed the situation in the Middle East. High Representative Borrell thanked the UN Secretary-General for the vital work of UNRWA and paid…