On the eve of a meeting to discuss a Russian oil embargo and plans to end dependence on energy supplied by Moscow, German Economy Minister Robert Habeck on Sunday expressed fears that the unity of the European Union ( EU) is “starting to crumble”.
European bloc leaders will meet this Monday and Tuesday to discuss a new wave of sanctions against the country led by Vladimir Putin, which may include, in addition to the already mentioned oil embargo, a program to accelerate the end of dependence on oil. fossil fuels such as Russian gas.
“After Russia’s attack on Ukraine, we’ve seen what can happen when Europe remains united. In the face of tomorrow’s meeting, we hope it stays that way. But it’s already starting to crumble and crash again,” Habeck said in an interview. collective. On Friday, European countries struggled to come up with a proposal that would impose an embargo on maritime deliveries of Russian oil but allow delivery via pipeline, a way to please Hungary and unlock new punishments against Moscow.
Habeck urged Germany to stand with unity at the summit rather than abstain from voting due to differences of opinion within the coalition supporting the country’s government. Likewise, the minister demanded unity from other members of the European Union.
“Europe is still a huge economic zone with incredible economic power. And when it is united, it can use that power,” added Habeck at the opening of the German trade fair Hannover Messe.
