Politics

EU Intensifies Pressure: Six-Month Extension of Russia Sanctions

Published

3 months ago

August 29, 2024

eu-intensifies-pressure:-six-month-extension-of-russia-sanctions

Brussels, [Current Date] – The European Council has chosen to extend its ranging sanctions, against Russia, for an additional six months due to the ongoing aggression and destabilizing actions by Russia in Ukraine. These measures, which were initiated in 2014 and amplified after Russia’s aggression in February 2022, will remain effective until January 31, 2025.

These sanctions are among the responses ever crafted by the EU. They cover sectors such as trade, finance, technology, dual use goods, industry, transport and luxury items. A key measure involves prohibiting the import or transfer of oil and specific petroleum products from Russia to the EU. This significantly impacts the revenue for funding military activities.

Financial Isolation and Media Restrictions

An aspect of the sanctions is isolating the economy financially. Several major Russian banks have been disconnected from the SWIFT payment system to disrupt transactions and economic stability, in Russia.
In addition, the European Union has taken action, against media outlets supported by the Kremlin that play a role in spreading information, suspending their broadcast licenses to limit the circulation of misleading narratives across Europe.

Moreover, the sanctions are crafted to be flexible and resilient against any attempts to evade them. Specific strategies have been implemented to detect and prevent any endeavors to work around the imposed limitations, ensuring that the sanctions remain effective over a period.

Continued Violations and International Law

The European Council has stressed that it is justifiable to uphold these sanctions as Russia persists in actions that violate international law, particularly regarding the prohibition on using force. These actions represent a breach of standards and responsibilities warranting an ongoing and possibly escalated response from the global community.

Historical. Broadening Measures

The initial set of sanctions began with Decision 2014/512/CFSP approved on July 31, 2014 in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, such as the annexation of Crimea. Over time, these measures have expanded to encompass a range. In addition to sector sanctions, the EU has imposed controls on economic dealings with Crimea, Sevastopol and areas in Ukraine’s Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions not, under government control.

Sanctions, like freezing assets and imposing travel restrictions, have been enforced on various individuals and organizations connected to the actions.

Since February 24, 2022, the EU has implemented 14 sets of sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These actions are notably extensive and intense, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the EU’s dedication to countering aggression.

EU’s Support for Ukraine

In its conclusions from June 27, 2024, the European Council reaffirmed its backing for Ukraine‘s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within recognized boundaries. The EU’s support encompasses financial, economic, humanitarian aid along with diplomatic assistance. The Council strongly condemned Russia’s escalated attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure like energy facilities.

The European Union’s choice to extend sanctions highlights its position against activities that threaten global peace and security. By prolonging these measures, the EU aims to maintain pressure on Russia while advocating for a resolution in line, with law.

Author

Avery Thompson

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Politics

Record high trust in the EU, finds survey

Published

4 days ago

November 29, 2024

Erin Silvia

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Erin Silvia

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Politics

The New von der Leyen Commission Set to Begin Work on December 1

Published

5 days ago

November 28, 2024

James Crowley

The European Union is poised for a fresh chapter as the new von der Leyen Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, prepares to take office on December 1. Following a vote in Strasbourg, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) gave their confidence to the new College of Commissioners, marking the start of an ambitious five-year term.

In her address to the European Parliament, President von der Leyen presented her vision for Europe, emphasizing freedom as the core principle of the European Union. “Because fighting for freedom connects us as Europeans. Our past and our present. Our nations and our generations. For me, this is the raison d’être of our Union and it remains its driving force more than ever today,” she declared.

Von der Leyen underscored the importance of safeguarding and nurturing freedom, a task she linked to the Commission’s upcoming initiatives. The first major step will be the launch of the Competitiveness Compass, a strategic plan aimed at bolstering Europe‘s economic position globally. The Compass will focus on three key areas: closing the innovation gap with the United States and China, advancing decarbonization while maintaining competitiveness, and strengthening security by reducing dependencies.

“The Compass will be built on the three pillars of the Draghi report,” von der Leyen explained, outlining the roadmap for Europe’s economic resilience.

A Diverse and Experienced Team

Highlighting the diversity and expertise of the new College of Commissioners, von der Leyen expressed confidence in her team’s ability to hit the ground running. The group includes former prime ministers, ministers, mayors, CEOs, business owners, journalists, and representatives from both rural and urban backgrounds. Spanning multiple generations, the team reflects Europe’s rich diversity and experience.

In a press conference following the parliamentary vote, von der Leyen thanked MEPs for their trust and emphasized the importance of collaboration between EU institutions. “Over the next five years, European unity will be absolutely critical. I cannot stress this enough (…) This is why we need the tightest cooperation between the Commission, the Parliament and the Council. It is the partnership that Europe needs—and deserves. My team and I are fully committed to this,” she stated.

Ambitious Goals for the First 100 Days

The Commission’s agenda for the first 100 days is packed with initiatives addressing some of Europe’s most pressing challenges. Among the seven flagship projects are a Clean Industrial Deal, a White Paper on European Defence, an AI Factories initiative, and a Cybersecurity Action Plan for Health Infrastructure. Additionally, the Commission will present a vision for agriculture and food, review the EU’s enlargement policy, and launch Youth Policy Dialogues to amplify the voices of Europe’s younger generation.

These initiatives reflect von der Leyen’s commitment to tackling issues ranging from climate change to technological innovation and security. The President also stressed the importance of giving Europe’s youth a platform, signaling a forward-looking approach to governance.

A Call for Unity

As the new Commission prepares to take office, von der Leyen reiterated the need for cooperation across EU institutions. “European unity will be absolutely critical,” she said, emphasizing the importance of a strong partnership between the Commission, Parliament, and Council.

With a clear vision and an experienced team, the von der Leyen Commission is ready to address the challenges and opportunities of the next five years, setting the stage for a stronger, more united Europe.

Author

James Crowley

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Politics

One in three women in the EU have experienced violence

Published

1 week ago

November 26, 2024

Sarah Sebestian

A third of women in the EU have experienced violence at home, at work or in public. Young women report having experienced higher levels of sexual harassment at work and other forms of violence than older women. Yet violence against women often remains invisible as only every fourth woman reports incidents to the authorities (the police, or social, health or support services).

These are some of the findings of the EU survey on gender-based violence conducted from 2020 to 2024 by Eurostat (the statistical office of the EU), the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

The results from the EU gender-based violence survey represent women aged 18 to 74 from across the EU. The survey covers experiences of physical, sexual and psychological violence, including domestic and non-partner violence. It also reports on sexual harassment at work.

The survey findings concern issues such as:

The prevalence of violence: 1 in 3 women in the EU have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or threats in their adulthood.
Sexual violence and rape: 1 in 6 women in the EU have experienced sexual violence, including rape, in their adulthood.
Violence at home: Home is not always safe for many women: 1 in 5 women have faced physical or sexual violence from their partner, a relative, or another member of their household.
Sexual harassment at work: 1 in 3 women have been sexually harassed at work. Younger women report a higher prevalence, with 2 in 5 having experienced sexual harassment in their workplaces.
The non-reporting of violence: Although a majority of women who have experienced violence have spoken to a person close to them about this, only 1 in 5 have contacted a healthcare or social service provider, and just 1 in 8 have reported the incident to the police.

The EU gender-based violence survey was carried out jointly by Eurostat, FRA, and EIGE—the three organisations which are responsible respectively for official statistics, human rights, and gender equality within the EU. The data collection took place between September 2020 and March 2024. The results of the survey provide data which will better enable policymakers across the EU to combat violence against women and give more effective support to victims.

The data can be found in the Eurostat’s gender-based violence dataset (available 25 November at 11:00 CET).

Eurostat’s Statistics Explained article (available 25 November at 11:00 CET) also describes some of the survey findings.

Quote from Eurostat Director-General Mariana Kotzeva:

Today, Eurostat, in cooperation with FRA and EIGE, has published the EU-country-level results of the EU gender-based violence survey. The statistics on the often-hidden phenomenon of gender-based violence are based on rigorous data collection methods across the EU member states, making these statistics a trusted foundation for public awareness and policy action. Eurostat thanks all those who courageously, safely, and anonymously shared their experiences with interviewers.

Quote from FRA Director Sirpa Rautio:

There are no safe spaces for women, free from violence and harassment. Back in 2014, with its first EU-wide survey on violence against women, FRA revealed the extent to which women experience violence every day and everywhere. A decade later, we continue to witness the same shocking levels of violence that affect 1 in 3 women. Rates of violence against women remain far too high. Policymakers, civil society and frontline workers urgently need to support and protect the rights of all victims of gender-based violence and domestic abuse no matter where it takes place.

Quote from EIGE Director Carlien Scheele:

When we face an alarming reality where one in three women experience violence in the EU, but just over 1 in 8 report it, it demands a serious look at the systemic issues getting in the way from shifting the dial. Today the results of our survey data release truly underscores the importance of my Agency’s work in ending gender-based violence. Violence against women is rooted in control, dominance and inequality. When a gendered perspective is integrated into prevention measures, services and authorities, then we can expect to see more women coming forward, trusting that they will receive the support they need. Because every woman has a right to be safe – everywhere.