Is there a way to find a solution that will satisfy both the “27” of the European Union, both in terms of energy precision measures and the embargo on Russian oil? The answer will be given in the next two days (May 30-31), when the extraordinary Summit will be held, convened by Charles Michel in order for the Europeans to agree on a common line on the “hot” issues that concern the topicality and the everyday life throughout the Old Continent. However the “messages” from this long intervening period for discussions and negotiations, are anything but boosting the optimism for an agreement. Both in terms of energy and the issue of the embargo against Russian oil, Europeans are divided, as each country has its own problems, which it has to face.
Even yesterday, the “27” failed to reach an agreement on the Russian embargo, as the countries that react, with Hungary first, are not convinced of the alternatives proposed by Brussels. The proposal now being debated between EU countries presupposes a ban on Russian oil deliveries to the EU by sea by the end of the year, but provides for an exception for oil delivered by the Russian Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline to Russia, which supplies Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
The exception for Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic presents a double problem, one aspect of which affects all EU countries. On the one hand, the three countries will not have time to build the infrastructure to make up for the losses caused by the cessation of Russian oil and its derivatives, and The next day is estimated to be more expensive due to transport and processing costs, which will have a decisive burden on the budget of European citizens.
The Summit starts on Monday at 5 p.m. (Greek time), as stated by a European official.
The proposal of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to be exact
The next issue on which Europeans do not share a common line is the list of measures to deal with precision as a result of the energy crisis. Once again, north and south collide. The Greek Prime Minister is determined to stick to his proposal for a kind of ceiling in the wholesale gas market. As he pointed out from Davos that was found last week: “I supported the idea of some kind of ceiling in the wholesale gas market in Europe. And I will bring this proposal back to the level of the European Council. We must also see what we will do tomorrow, next month, in the next three months. What will we do in the winter to be able to support the citizens? “Honestly, Europe needs to do more in this area.”
The agenda of the Summit
The agenda of the Extraordinary Summit includes the war in Ukraine, the energy and its implications for the accuracy, the food crisis and the defense of the EU. Ukraine, which will talk to European leaders about the latest developments on the battlefield and the situation in his country.
The first item on the agenda of the European Council will be the situation in Ukraine: “One of our most pressing concerns is to assist the Ukrainian state, together with our international partners, in its liquidity needs. “We will also discuss how to better organize our support for the reconstruction of Ukraine, as a major global effort will be needed to rebuild the country,” European Council President Charles Michel said in a letter to Europeans before the summit. He added: “From day one, we have been steadfast in our humanitarian, economic, military and political support to the Ukrainian people and its leadership. We will continue to put pressure on Russia. “Unity has always been our strongest asset and remains our guiding principle.”
Moreover, on the first day of the European Council, the “27” EU leaders will discuss the issue of energy and high prices that hit households and businesses hard. “We need to accelerate our energy transition if we want to phase out our dependence on Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible. “Based on our decisions in Versailles, we will discuss the best ways to get the job done,” said Charles Michel in his letter.
European leaders will also discuss the dramatic impact on global food security posed by Russia’s military aggression. The discussion will be attended by the President of the African Union, Maki Sal, via teleconference. “Food prices have skyrocketed and we face serious risks of hunger and destabilization in many parts of the world. “In our meeting, we will discuss concrete ways to help Ukraine export its agricultural products using the EU infrastructure. We will also look at how to better coordinate multilateral initiatives in this regard,” said Charles Michel.
Finally, European defense will occupy the “27” leaders, as Russia’s war against Ukraine further strengthened their ambition for a strong, coordinated European defense. It is recalled that in March, the European Council instructed the Commission, in coordination with the European Defense Agency, to analyze gaps in defense investment and to propose further initiatives to strengthen the European defense industrial and technological base. The priority is for Member States to coordinate their efforts to replenish stocks and build a European industrial base.
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