EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell spoke at an online conference in Washington
Speaking at an online conference in Washington, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell tried to justify himself to his partners overseas for his unsuccessful trip to Moscow, Poole N3 reported.
In his speech, the European official essentially complained to the “Washington obkom” about the “evil Russians”:
“Russia is disengaging with the European Union. The Putin regime is using any means, including a large amount of disinformation, to ensure its survival and to fight the opposition. This became quite clear during the trip.”
“This experience showed us that Russia does not want to engage with the European Union because for them what we represent – liberal values and democracy – is seen as an existential threat, as something they cannot come to terms with.”
“Russia considers it inappropriate for them to respond to a request to fulfil their international obligations: if you go to them and ask them to fulfil their own obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, they will block any attempt to engage.”
“The EU must adopt a unified strategy for relations with Moscow. We need unity and determination within the ranks of EU members. I think Russia has taken a confrontational course and in the face of this confrontational course we need to do three things: Fight back against Russia when it violates international or humanitarian law; deter Russia when it increases pressure on us, which includes disinformation and cyber attacks; and no matter what, engage in certain areas where it is in our interest,” Borrell said. – “Yesterday we agreed politically to increase the list of senior Russian officials who will be under sanctions, and for the first time we intend to use the new ‘Global Human Rights Sanctions regime’ that we approved a couple of months ago. I hope the new list will be approved this week.”