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The imposition of a 4th package of sanctions against Russia has been announced by the head of the European Commission[/B], Ursula von der Leyen, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues for the 16th day.
At the same time, she stressed that the EU needs a coordinated approach in the defence sector.
She said that "by mid-May, a proposal will be presented for decoupling from Russian fossil fuels by 2027".
"How we respond today to Russia's heinous attack will determine the future of Ukraine, our Union and our entire continent. Let us remain true to the principles that have guided our response so far: Responsibility, unity, solidarity, determination," said von der Leyen during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Μακρόν: "Putin has brought war back to Europe"
"The choice of Russia, of President Putin, was to bring war back to Europe," Macron said for his part.
[/B][/B]The French president underlined the unity, the speed, the spirit of responsibility of the European Union and expressed the EU's solidarity with Ukraine. And we will be there for its reconstruction after the devastation caused by Russia. We will be there to help it stand and stay standing," the French president said.
"The message we sent initially to the Ukrainian population is that our road to Europe is open to them. Their struggle for freedom and democracy, for the values we all share, has shown that Ukraine is indeed a member of our European family."
He stressed that everything is open as far as additional sanctions against Russia are concerned.
He also noted that the European Union's main goal is "a rapid return to peace, starting with a ceasefire followed by a rapid withdrawal of Russian troops."
Scholz: The sanctions imposed have an impact on Russia's growth prospects
"The sanctions imposed have an impact on Russia's growth prospects," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed.
Source: in.gr
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