EU parliament approves resolution declaring Russian pressure unacceptable

The European Parliament approved a resolution on September 12 that declares as unacceptable the Russian government’s recent tactics in pressuring four post-Soviet states that are currently Eastern Partnership members from signing the Association Agreement with the EU, as planned for November 28-29 at a summit in Vilnius. The resolution was prompted by the August trade conflict with Ukraine, Armenia’s decision to join the Customs Union and the Russian government’s ban on Moldovan wine exports.

The resolution calls for the European Commission and the EU Council to take measures to support Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Armenia against Russian pressure. The resolution excludes extreme measures that were discussed in an extraplenary session on September 11, which include a blockade on the 2014 Olympics in Sochi and restrictions on Russian exports to the EU, the Kommersant-Ukraine newspaper reported. Instead it recommends measures suggested at the discussions by EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fule, who proposed organizing communication with the Russian government, repeatedly explaining that EU association is not aimed at undermining Russian interests and won’t come at the expense of Russia.

Zenon Zawada: The EU’s tactics in this situation were entirely predictable and appropriate. Rather than further antagonizing Russia, EU diplomats will continue to work closely with the governments of the Eastern Partnership states to ensure they’ve met the requirements for signing the association agreements.