“We are completing it fifth package of sanctions against Russia while promoting arrangements to close ways to bypass. “They want the sanctions to be directed against the Putin regime and not to stay on paper,” he said. Valdis Dobrovskis after today’s Ecofin meeting.
Asked if the package of sanctions includes coal, he replied that it includes energybut can not give more details, as the package of sanctions is finalized.
He noted that it is not only the energy in the package of sanctions, confirming that on the table is also coal, as well as a new round of sanctions on persons, transport and trade. Dobrovskis reiterated that the unanimity of the “27” is required.
For his part, the French Minister of Finance, Bruno Lemerstated that the energy sector is also included in the package of sanctions and that the timetable remains to be finalized.
Staikoura statement after Ecofin
After the Ecofin meeting, the Minister of Finance, Christos Staikouras stated:
“Europe is facing a new, acute, international crisis. This supply-side crisis pushes up energy prices, erodes household disposable income, reduces business turnover, increases uncertainty, and slows down growth momentum.
No European Member State can afford it alone, nor can it cover the costs involved. This requires coordinated, immediate, bold European action and response, in order to tackle, effectively and in solidarity, the consequences of the crisis, but above all the crisis itself.
The Greek Government, with concrete, substantiated proposals, is seeking these European answers.
As it is:
â–ª interventions in the wholesale gas market to reduce distortions and speculative pressures,
â–ª the decoupling of the price of natural gas from the price of electricity,
â–ª joint gas supply at European level,
â–ª the imposition of a ceiling on the super profits of energy companies,
â–ª the effective implementation of sanctions,
â–ª the demonstration of solidarity with the reception of refugees,
â–ª the implementation of measures to support households and businesses, targeting the most vulnerable citizens.
The crisis, with today’s data, affects, but does not divert our economy. It “blurs” the country’s achievements and auspicious prospects, but does not destroy its internationally good image.
As demonstrated by our bilateral, productive meetings with the leaders of the European Stability Mechanism and the European Investment Bank.
And as it turned out with the completion of the repayment of Greece’s debts to the International Monetary Fund.
Repayment that closes a chapter that was opened in May 2010, with the appeal of Greece to the Fund.
All this is due to the sacrifices and efforts of society, the hard work of citizens and the state.
“Greece is moving forward, despite the successive and parallel crises, strong and dynamic, with a plan, prudence, determination and self-confidence”.
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