MEPs Deem Russia Is No Longer EU’s Strategic Partner

The European Parliament adopted on Wednesday a non-legislative resolution, which deems that Russia is no longer a strategic partner of the EU.

The resolution also called on the EU to critically re-assess its relations with Russia and devise a soft-power plan to counter Moscow’s aggressive and divisive policies.

According to the document, the relationship was harmed due to Russia’s deliberate violation of democratic principles, fundamental values and international law and its violent action and destabilisation of its neighbours.

MEPs called on the member states of the EU to maintain unity in view of the Russian involvement in the conflict in Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Crimea.

According to the document, it was up to Russia to determine which way the relationship would go – towards greater cooperation or alienation

The resolution was adopted with 494 MEPs voting in favour, 135 voting against and 69 abstaining.

The Parliament called on member states to refrain from bilateral deals, which could harm the unity and to work harder towards the establishment of an European Energy Union.

MEPs urged the European Commission to allocate funding to counter Russian propaganda and misinformation within the EU and abroad and to provide more financial assistance to the Russian civil society.

The resolution also highlighted the need to tackle Russian support and financial assistance to radical and extremist parties in the EU.

The Parliament condemned the recent move of Russia to issue a blacklist banning 89 EU politicians and officials from its territory.

The MEPs expressed hope that in the long-term the EU and Russia could establish a constructive and predictable relationship.

In order for this to be achieved Russia would have to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, including Crimea and to assure the full implementation of the Minsk ceasefire agreements.

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