Russian aggression against Ukraine: European Commission proposes sixth sanctions package
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today presented the sixth package of sanctions against Russia.
First, the EU is listing high-ranking military officers and other individuals who committed war crimes in Bucha and who are responsible for the inhuman siege of the city of Mariupol. “This sends another important signal to all perpetrators of the Kremlin’s war: we know who you are, and you will be held accountable,” said Ursula von der Leyen.
Second, the EU is to de-SWIFT Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, and two other major banks. These banks are systemically critical to the Russian financial system and Putin’s ability to wage destruction, according to the European Commission. “This will solidify the complete isolation of the Russian financial sector from the global system,” the President said.
Third, the EU is banning three big Russian state-owned broadcasters from the EU airwaves. They will not be allowed to distribute their content any more in the EU, in whatever shape or form, be it on cable, via satellite, on the internet or via smartphone apps.
“We have identified these TV channels as mouthpieces that amplify Putin’s lies and propaganda aggressively. We should not give them a stage anymore to spread these lies,” stated von der Leyen. “Moreover, the Kremlin relies on accountants, consultants and spin-doctors from Europe. And this will now stop. We are banning those services from being provided to Russian companies.”
The European Commission is also proposing a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined. The EU will make sure that it phases out Russian oil in an orderly fashion in a way that allows the EU and its partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimises the impact on global markets.
“This is why we will phase out Russian supply of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year. Thus, we maximise pressure on Russia, while at the same time minimising collateral damage to us and our partners around the globe,” said von der Leyen.
The President said that all these steps aim to deprive the Russian economy from its ability to diversify and modernise. “Putin wanted to wipe Ukraine from the map. He will clearly not succeed. On the contrary: Ukraine has risen up in unity. And it is his own country, Russia, he is sinking,” concluded the President.
She noted that the “EU wants Ukraine to win this war” and will help Ukrainians rebuild their country for the next generation. That is why the European Commission is also proposing to start working on an ambitious recovery package for Ukraine that should bring massive investment to meet the needs and the necessary reforms, address the existing weaknesses of the Ukrainian economy and lay the foundations for sustainable long-term growth.
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THE PARLIAMENT HEARD THE ACTIVITY REPORT FOR 2022 OF THE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO PACE
At the plenary session, MPs heard the Activity Report for 2022 of the Parliamentary Delegation to PACE, introduced by the Head of the Delegation, Irakli Chikovani.
“One of the acute issues for the PACE and for us was the devastation in Ukraine entailed by the Russian aggression and the decision made on the exclusion of Russia from the Coe and the preparation for a new Summit that is scheduled in May 2023 and that shall be dedicated to the planning of the further steps of the organization”, - he stated.
According to him, the Georgian Delegation was one of the main Delegations that approved the exclusion of Russia at the emergency session convened by the CoE. As noted, sundry resolutions have been adopted in 2022 related to the situation in Ukraine, where the Georgian Delegation in full composition, including the Majority and the Opposition MPs, unanimously approved the documents except one resolution providing the record about the third President of Georgia.
“This Resolution was connected neither to Georgia nor the situation in Georgia or the democratic reforms; it was an attempt, which by the way was quite successfully conducted by the EPP members and the rapporteur of the Resolution”, - he noted and added that the Resolution on Georgia initiated by the Monitoring Committee and adopted by the PACE reflects the immense progress achieved by Georgia in the democracy, rule of law and human rights protection directions.
“This progress is clearly underlined and which is unambiguously confirmed by the CoE as a whole, though it also provides the challenges in Georgia being addressed by the Government”, - the reporter ended his speech.
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US Assistant Secretary of State says Transparency of Foreign Influence bill based on Russian interests
“This is a law based on Russia’s interest, not Georgia’s interest,” said Todd D. Robinson, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the US Department of State when remarking on the People’s Power-tabled Transparency of Foreign Influence bill.
“Obviously, this is a law based on Russia’s interest, not Georgia’s interest. And we think it’s in Georgia’s interest to work more closely towards Euro-Atlantic integration. This law doesn’t do that. We don’t think it’s the right thing for Georgia. More importantly, Georgians don’t think it’s the right thing for Georgia. And we will keep working with our partners in the government of Georgia to make sure that we’re working towards what is their priority, which is Euro-Atlantic integration,” he said.
Asked to comment about claims that “foreign agents” law is FARA copy-paste, Todd Robinson said:
“Look, I’m not going to get into the details of this law. What I know is that it’s not working for Georgia. It’s not working towards what Georgians want, which is Euro-Atlantic integration. We are helping, we are here to help Georgia towards its ambition, which is Euro-Atlantic integration, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
Georgian Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee on Monday backed the People’s Power-tabled draft bills on Transparency of Foreign Influence and Registration of Foreign Agents in the first reading.
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EU welcomes initiative to lay submarine cable under Black Sea
The EU will be ready to provide financial support for the Black Sea Energy submarine cable project, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on 17 December, attending the signing in the Romanian capital Bucharest of a memorandum of understanding between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary and Romania, which envisages the laying of an underwater electricity cable across the Black Sea.
Ursula von der Leyen said the agreement would bring the European Union closer to its partners in the South Caucasus region, and would help both regions achieve the clean energy transition. “Since the beginning of Russia’s war, we have decided to turn our back on Russian fossil fuels and to diversify towards reliable energy partners, like the partners here around the table. And it is working,” said the European Commission President.
She added the initiative would reinforce energy security in Europe and bring new opportunities to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine: “This project could bring Georgia, a country with a European destiny, great benefits as well. It could transform the country into an electricity hub and integrate it in the EU internal electricity market. Finally, the Black Sea electric cable could also help bring electricity to our neighbours in Moldova and the Western Balkans, and of course to Ukraine – it will help start rebuilding Ukraine’s energy system and the reconstruction of the country.”
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Irakli Garibashvili: By connecting electricity transmission lines and power energy systems of Georgia, Romania, Azerbaijan and Hungary, Europe may not only connect to Georgia, but to the entire region of South Caucasus
Georgia’s strategic geographic location makes us a natural bridge between the West and the East, serving as a gateway for eight landlocked countries of South Caucasus and Central Asia; a crucial link on EU’s Global Connectivity map and a game changer, when it comes to diversification of transport routes and energy supply to Europe. It was announced by Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia at the Plenary Session on Strategic Partnership for Green Energy Development and Transmission held in Romania today.
The Head of Government of Georgia delivered a key-note speech at the Plenary Session on Strategic Partnership for Green Energy Development and Transmission held at the Cotroceni Palace of Romania and spoke about the new quadrilateral agreement along with other leaders participating in the milestone event.The Prime Minister of Georgia noted that present geopolitical challenges and the war in Ukraine has made the need for diversification and resilience even more imperative, in order to address urgent challenges of energy security.The Head of Government of Georgia expressed his gratitude to the Romanian side for organizing and hosting the historic event, while thanking Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission for her support towards the project.„I am pleased to address the distinguished audience at today’s important gathering. At the outset, I would like to thank the Romanian side for hosting and organizing this event, which has a historical importance. I also thank Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission for supporting the project.Present geopolitical challenges and the war in Ukraine has made the need for diversification and resilience even more imperative, in order to address urgent challenges of energy security. Georgia’s strategic geographic location makes us a natural bridge between the West and the East, serving as a gateway for eight landlocked countries of South Caucasus and Central Asia; a crucial link on EU’s Global Connectivity map and a game changer, when it comes to diversification of transport routes and energy supply to Europe.With this in mind, we have made connectivity a top priority, with a special vision of connectivity of the Caucasus region and Europe. We are investing in expanding and modernizing our energy, digital and transport infrastructure; we are bringing these sectors in line with the EU norms and standards according to the commitments under the AA/DCFTA, Common Aviation Area Agreement and within the Energy Community. Extended TEN-T core network and the EaP Economic and Investment Plan provide important tools to facilitate investments in the strategic projects that have national and the wider regional value as well” noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.According to the Head of Government of Georgia, by connecting the power systems of Georgia, Romania, Azerbaijan and Hungary, Europe will be able to connect not only with Georgia, but with the entire South Caucasus region.As Irakli Garibashvili noted, being a credible transit partner, Georgia has been a key link for the delivery of hydrocarbon resources via major regional energy transit routes from the Caspian Sea basin to the West.The Prime Minister of Georgia also stated that implementation of this project transforms the strategic partnership into a new dimension.“Dear Friends, a few years ago, with the initiative of Georgia, work started on the project, which envisages the connection of the electric energy systems of the Caucasus region and Europe by means of a high-voltage underwater power transmission line. Today, by signing the “Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the field of Green Energy Development and Transmission between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary” we are confirming the readiness of our countries to cooperate closely in terms of “green energy” supply.As you may be well aware, Georgia has substantial potential for power generation surplus from renewable energy sources that it can supply to neighboring countries. Today, we have the appropriate infrastructure for electricity supply to all our neighbors, except Europe, The Black Sea Underwater Electricity Transmission Cable holds an important prospect to this end. Project will support development of the renewable energy sector and increase transit opportunities/back-to-back trade options between the EU and South Caucasus Region. As a result of this project implementation, by connecting the power systems of Georgia, Romania, Azerbaijan and Hungary, Europe will be able to connect not only with Georgia, but with the entire South Caucasus region.In June 2020 the World Bank prepared a report on Preliminary Economic Analyses of the Black Sea Submarine Cable project, which proved that the above-mentioned project is economically viable.On April 26 of 2021, GOG announced a request for expression of interest for the feasibility study of the Black Sea underwater electricity transmission cable and digital line construction project. The selection was carried out in accordance with the World Bank Procurement Procedures. As the result of selection, the winner has been identified. The feasibility study commenced on May 11 of 2022 and will be implemented during an 18 months’ period.To this end, I should emphasize that strengthening the interconnections and energy transit capabilities of the region is of strategic importance for my Government. Being a credible transit partner, Georgia has been a key link for the delivery of hydrocarbon resources via major regional energy transit routes from the Caspian Sea basin to the West.The implementation of this project, opens a new dimension for the development of strategic partnership between our countries and once again let me reiterate, that Georgia having huge potential for production and export of renewable energy, will contribute to the strengthening of Europe’s energy security” added Irakli Garibashvili.Prior to the plenary session, the President of Romania held a Greet and Welcome Ceremony at the Cotroceni Palace for the leaders of countries that are signatories to the Agreement on Strategic Partnership of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary for the Development and Transmission of Green Energy.The Head of Government of Georgia is visiting Romania with a Delegation, consisting of Levan Davitashvili, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; Ilia Darchiashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia; Lasha Khutsishvili, Minister of Finance of Georgia and Revaz Javelidze, Head of Government Administration.Press Service of the Government Administration -
Grain from Ukraine: European Commission pays to ship 40,000 tons of Ukrainian grain via two boats
On 26 November, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the European Commission would pay for the transportation of 40,000 tonnes of Ukrainian grain on two ships, as part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s ‘Grain from Ukraine’ initiative.
This will be on top of the 28 million tons of agri products shipped via the EU’s Solidarity Lanes and the Black Sea Grain Initiative, von der Leyen added.
Ukraine launched the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ initiative at the International Summit on Food Security, organised in Kyiv on the anniversary of the Holodomor, the starvation of millions of Ukrainians caused by Soviet policies in 1932-33.
“90 years after the Holodomor, we honour the memory of Ukraine’s victims. They died in silence, starving to death, and, at that time, the world did not rise to help them. We will not let this happen again,” said von der Leyen. “Today, Russia is again using food as a weapon.
As part of its brutal aggression against Ukraine, Russia has destroyed your agricultural production, targeted your grain silos, and blockaded your ports.”
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