The issue of additional sanctions against Russia, the response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, as well as the issue of the energy and food crisis feature prominently on the agenda of the EU General Affairs Council (GAC), as Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis emphasized upon arrival at the Council today in Brussels.
As regards the response to the energy crisis, Mr. Varvitsiotis underlined that the Greek government has already proceeded with a set of proposals already presented by the Prime Minister at the Joint Meeting of the leaders of the EU’s southern countries. “For us, it is important that the debate continues, because energy prices pose a real challenge, which puts the economic viability of all the EU citizens at great risk, and that is why the response should be a European one. “No country can face the consequences of this energy crisis alone”, the Alternate Minister said. “The response towards major challenges should not be at a national level, but at a European one”, Mr. Varvitsiotis underscored.
It is noted that the EU GAC agenda includes the preparation of the European Council to be held on Thursday and Friday (24-25.03) in which Mr. Varvitsiotis will accompany the Prime Minister.
The Alternate minister’s full statement is as follows:
“Today, in preparation for the European Council, we will discuss Ukraine, the ways in which Europe as a whole will address both the Russian invasion and the issues related to humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as the additional sanctions against the Russian side, which should be viewed in the light of the ongoing military operations.
At the same time, the major issue for Europe and its citizens is the rise in energy prices. For this reason, Greece has already proceeded with a set of proposals presented by the Prime Minister and has convened and participated in a Joint Summit of the leaders of the EU’s southern countries. Unfortunately, the European Union as a whole has not yet managed to address this challenge with a single voice. For us, it is important that the debate continues because energy prices pose a real challenge, which puts the economic viability of all the EU citizens at great risk, and that is why the response should be a European one. No country can face the consequences of this energy crisis alone.
Finally, we should begin to prepare for what is to come, due to the ongoing military operations in Ukraine, and that is possible shortages of basic cereal in the market. This may mean, first of all, a significant increase in prices and, secondly, it may mean that there will be an upheaval in the wider neighborhood and especially in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East.
Europe should start preparing for this food crisis, and talks will start already this morning in Brussels. Greece stands in this context of discussions focusing, first of all, on safeguarding its national interest and the interests of its citizens and, secondly, with the aim of maintaining European unanimity. Because we believe that the response towards major challenges should not be at a national level, but at a European one.