EU Nations at Odds Over Gaza Issue During Copenhagen Summit
The European Union (EU) is set to present fresh sanctions against Russia next week, in response to Moscow's increased bombing of civilian targets in Ukraine. This decision comes amidst a series of disagreements and controversies within the bloc.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative, expressed disappointment about not being able to reach unity among EU foreign ministers. The divisions within the EU are affecting its credibility at the global stage, she said.
One of the key elements in the new sanctions package will be restrictions on oil and gas imports from Russia, as well as secondary sanctions on Russia's trading partners and restrictions on Russia's Shadow Fleet involved in bypassing oil sanctions. The EU is also considering targeting crypto networks used to bypass financial sanctions against Russia, a discussion initiated by Kallas.
However, the EU is divided over the implementation of these sanctions. Some EU member states, notably Poland and the Baltic states, support confiscating Russia's frozen assets to aid Ukraine, while countries like Germany and France oppose confiscation. Belgium, which holds the largest quantity of Russia's frozen assets, opposed the move, fearing legal consequences.
The UK has already targeted the rouble-backed cryptocurrency token A7A5 set up in Kyrgyzstan, which transferred almost 8 billion euros in recent months. The EU's measures could mirror previous sanctions imposed by the UK.
The division within the EU is also evident in its stance towards Israel. While Kallas reiterated that the EU was successfully putting pressure on Israel to provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza, there is no agreement among EU member states on the plan to suspend free trade with Israel as part of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The issue of Gaza is another point of contention, with the EU divided over it, according to Kallas. Zelenskyy seeks talks with Trump and European leaders to discuss the slow progress of peace efforts.
Hungary, a member state, declined to condemn the Russian attack on Kyiv which damaged an EU building. The attack resulted in the death of 25 people, including several children, and damaged the EU's representation and the British Council building in Kyiv.
Despite the divisions, the EU is moving towards minimising potential risks for member states and possibly sharing some of the risks that Belgium is currently taking in regards to Russia's frozen assets. The Danish Foreign Minister, Lars LΓΈkke Rasmussen, suggested that the EU could take steps to bypass vetoes of some member states, such as imposing a heavy tariff on imports from the occupied territories by a qualified majority.
Kallas reiterated that Russia cannot get the 210 billion euros in frozen assets back without paying reparations to Ukraine. The EU's stance remains firm in its commitment to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
The upcoming sanctions package is a testament to the EU's continued efforts to respond to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and to uphold its values and principles in the face of adversity. The EU's ability to navigate these internal divisions and maintain a unified front will be crucial in the days ahead.
