By Penelope Galliou
With the effects of the war in Ukraine to cast a heavy shadow on states and citizens, the 27 EU leaders meet again in the afternoon (5 pm Greek time) at Extraordinary Summit to be held today and tomorrow in Brussels, in order to catch the thread of resolving a series of issues that “burn” their countries, with main the measures for the accuracy of the energy crisis but also the embargo on Russian oil. The aim is for the Europeans to agree on a common line against these “hot»Issues, without, however, the climate, the discussions and consultations that preceded, to show that there is light on the horizon. Given that so far there is a reluctance and division among the 27 leaders in both energy and the issue of the embargo against Russian oil, which must be addressed immediately.
Energy accuracy
According to today’s program, the 27 EU leaders will discuss the issue of energy and high prices severely affecting households and businesses. «We must accelerate our energy transition if we are 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 o Charles Michel in the letter he sent to European leaders.
An issue that many countries expect in addition to their own planning – like Greece – to see Europe activate and take action on energy precision, but once again, north and south collide. The Greek Prime Minister, as he has already announced from Davos, is determined to stick to his proposal for a kind of ceiling enforcement in the wholesale gas market. «I supported the idea of ​​some kind of ceiling on the wholesale gas market in Europe. And I will bring this proposal back to European Council level. We also need to see what we do tomorrow, next month, 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.” noted o Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
It also divides Russian oil
Despite the marathon consultations of European ambassadors held yesterday in order to find a solution on the European embargo on Russian oilbefore the Summit, this does not seem to have been possible and the ambassadors do not seem to have reached an agreement and are expected to return this morning.
The Commission for the time being proposes to exclude Russian oil imported through pipelines from the embargo and supplies Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and to ban what is imported by sea. A proposal that seems to satisfy Hungary in part, but it itself is asking for more guarantees. Indicative of the climate prevailing between the EU countries is the statement of the German Minister of Finance that the European unity in the face of Moscow’s sanctions is beginning to collapse.
The exceptions of Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic present a twofold problem, one aspect of which affects all EU countries. of its derivatives, and on the other hand, the next day’s oil is estimated to be more expensive, due to transportation and refining costs, which will place a decisive burden on the budget of European citizens.
Zelensky is also present “online”
The first topic of the Extraordinary Summit – the consequences of which are all the rest – is the war in Ukraine and the “present”, via teleconference, will be given by the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskywho is expected to speak to European leaders on the latest developments on the battlefield and the situation in his country.
«One of our most pressing concerns is to help the Ukrainian state, together with our international partners, to liquidity needs of. We will also discuss how to better organize our support for Reconstruction of Ukraineas a great global effort will be required for the reconstruction of the country “is also emphasized in the letter to the 27 President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and adds: “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. Our unity has always been our strongest asset and remains our guiding principle».
European leaders will also discuss the dramatic impact on global food security posed by Russia’s military aggression. «The food prices have skyrocketed and we face serious risks of starvation and destabilization in many parts of the world. In our meeting, we will discuss concrete ways to help Ukraine export its agricultural products using 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 has 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 on replenishment of stocks and building a European industrial base.
Greek-Turkish?
THE escalating provocation of Turkey towards Greece and Cyprus may not be on the official agenda of the Extraordinary Summit of European Leaders, but it is not ruled out by government officials that the Greek Prime Minister, in the context of constantly informing our partners and the internationalization of Turkish delinquency, will raise the issue again at 27. A move fully in line with the intention of Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis to brief his counterparts on EU Heads of State and Government. for the new Turkish challenges in the region of Famagusta. In fact, according to the director of the press office of the Cypriot presidency, A. Iosif, Mr. Anastasiadis will ask his counterparts to call on Turkey to show restraint, avoiding tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region, abandoning its expansionist policy.
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