A ninth package of sanctions related to Russia’s attack on Ukraine has been proposed by the European Commission, but has not yet been released.
— I was hoping that this morning we would be able to talk about a green light, but that is not yet the case. Maybe at the end of the day, but there are issues that still have to be agreed on, says Foreign Minister Josep Borrell on his way into today’s foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.
Lithuania’s Gabrielius Landsbergis warns his colleagues not to linger too long.
— It feels a bit like we’re stuck in a cold rut. I hope we don’t freeze in the bud when it comes to sanctions and financial aid to Ukraine. I hope that we will not have to wait for something further terrible to happen in Ukraine before we get out, says the foreign minister in Brussels.
“Another Age”
Above all, it is Hungary that has resisted new sanctions as well as financial aid.
Sweden’s foreign minister Tobias Billström (M) is nevertheless optimistic.
— There are a number of outstanding issues where a number of different Member States have views. But that’s how it is in the EU context and I think we will solve it, says Billström.
Not least he is looking for sanctions against the people behind the abduction of Ukrainian children to Russian territory – officially motivated by giving them protection.
“It is a serious and fundamental violation of human rights to separate children from their parents and then raise them to Russian ideals inside Russia. It is something that we thought belonged to another age, says Billström in Brussels.
Iran sanctions
Another theme for the foreign ministers is the situation in Iran, where the EU countries have already agreed on increased sanctions.
— It is incredibly important from the EU’s side that we react against the brutal and ruthless treatment of people demonstrating for their freedoms and rights. Measures are needed to combat this attitude, says Tobias Billström.