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For the first time since 2017, a senior EU representative traveled to Russia last week. It was not a satisfactory visit for Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Amid talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Borrell and his advisers learned that Russia had expelled three diplomats, including a Swede.
At the press conference earlier in the day, Borrell was eliminated by the polished Lavrov. Josep Borrell ended up in a situation in which he criticized the US sanctions on Cuba, hoped that the Russian sputnik vaccine would be approved by the European Medicines Agency and avoided responding to criticism that Lavrov directed at the EU.
– We do not believe that the EU is a reliable partner, at least not now, Lavrov said, among other things.
Josep Borrell rummaged through his papers to find the correct wording while Sergei Lavrov spoke confidently without a script.
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister since 2004, is considered one of the most skilled diplomats in the world. He took advantage of that against the European Josep Borrell.
Photo: BROCHURE
The Borrell meeting was criticized in advance by several EU countries. Criticism has increased since last Friday. Estonian Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets said in a statement that Russia was predictable to cynically use the visit for its own propaganda.
Your compatriot Riho Terras, who is part of the large Christian Democratic group in the European Parliament and previously commander-in-chief, has received 80 members in a call for the resignation of the foreign minister. Among the signatories are the moderates Arba Kokalari and Jörgen Warborn and Charlie Weimers (SD).
The letter, addressed to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, claims, among other things, that Borrell provided incorrect information when he said at the press conference that the EU does not plan new sanctions against Russia after what happened with the opposition leader Navalny. Borell is also criticized for not interrupting his visit when it became known that three diplomats would be deported.
In a debate in Parliament on Tuesday, Borrell defended himself saying that foreign policy could not be carried out from his office in Brussels. He wanted to visit Moscow to find a constructive way to advance the relationship, but stated that it is not possible. He also said new sanctions could be on the way and called the Russian power structure ruthless.
– It leaves no margin for a democratic state governed by the rule of law.
The Chancellor is a Social Democrat. The parliamentarians who demand his resignation belong to other parties. But there are also criticisms within S.
“Borrell should have been harsher and clearer in his criticism, but it is going too far to demand his resignation,” says EU MP Evin Incir.
Being chancellor of the EU is a difficult job. The interests of 27 countries must be coordinated. So far, Germany and France, among others, have doubted new sanctions against Russia. Of the 81 MEPs who demanded Borrell’s resignation, out of a total of 705 members, there are no French or German names either.
On February 22, the EU Foreign Ministers will meet in Brussels. So increased sanctions against Russia may be on the agenda.
Read more. Michael Winiarski: The mood between the EU and Russia at the lower level
