Russia is carrying out attacks on civilians and civilian structures, including hospitals, medical facilities, schools and shelters, according to the draft conclusions of the forthcoming summit, which became known to the EURACTIV site.
“These crimes must stop immediately. “Those responsible and their accomplices will be held accountable,” the statement said, adding that Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine “grossly violates international law and causes massive loss of life and civilian casualties.”
The leaders are also expected to urge Russia to “immediately suspend its military operations on Ukrainian territory, withdraw immediately and unconditionally all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine, and fully respect the territorial integrity, the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders “.
Extensive reference is made to the refugee wave and the need for financial support from the first host countries, while Member States are called upon to develop contingency plans to address medium- and long-term needs.
Security and defense
As expected, the leaders will adopt the new EU defense strategy, the “Strategic Compass”, agreed on Monday by the European Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
With regard to the financing of increased defense spending, the text states that the full potential of the European Union’s financial instruments and initiatives should be fully exploited, in particular the European Defense and Permanent Structural Cooperation Fund, the Capacity Development Plan and the Coordinated Annual defense sector.
“In addition, by the end of 2022, measures should be taken to promote and facilitate access of the defense industry to private funding, also making the best use of the opportunities offered by the European Investment Bank “.
Action: Yes to the temporary taxation of extraordinary profits
In the energy sector, leaders are reiterating their commitment to phasing out Russian gas, oil and coal imports “as soon as possible”.
The relevant detoxification plan will be submitted by the Commission by the end of May.
With regard to high energy prices, Europeans seem to agree to further alleviate the most vulnerable consumers as well as to support European businesses in the short term.
“The European Council calls on the Member States and the Commission to continue to make the best use of the toolbox [, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του νέου πλαισίου για τις κρατικές ενισχύσεις σε περίπτωση κρίσης]. As proposed by the Commission, Temporary taxation of extraordinary profits can be a useful source of funding“, The conclusions state.
Replenishment of gas depots throughout the Union should also begin as soon as possible. With a view to next winter, the Member States and the Commission should urgently:
-coordinate measures to ensure adequate levels of gas storage,
– cooperate in the common market for natural gas, LNG and hydrogen,
– to establish the necessary solidarity mechanisms,
-to complete and improve our interfaces.
euractiv.gr
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