The European Parliament will No Longer Consider Russia as a Strategic Partner

MEPs once again expressed concern about the implementation of the Nord stream 2 project On Tuesday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution by 402 votes for, 163 votes against, with 89 abstentions, which assesses the current relations between the EU and Russia. MEPs agreed that the EU should be prepared to impose further anti-Russian sanctions if Moscow continues to violate international law. The resolution states that new zones of tension between the EU and Russia have emerged since 2015, including Russia's intervention in Syria, as well as in the Affairs of countries such as Libya and the Central African Republic, and the ongoing aggressive actions in Ukraine. The document also emphasizes that Moscow supports far-right movements in Europe and parties that oppose European integration. In addition, the Kremlin continues to interfere in political elections and violate human rights in its own country. The resolution notes that the EU should review the current partnership and cooperation Agreement with Russia and limit cooperation to areas of common interest. According to the members of the European Parliament, global problems such as climate change, energy security, digitalization, artificial intelligence and the fight against terrorism require selective joint participation of the EU and Russia. Closer relations are possible only if Russia fully complies with the Minsk agreements on ending the war in Eastern Ukraine and begins to respect international law, the text of the resolution says. MEPs also reiterated their concern about the implementation of the Nord stream 2 project, which could increase the EU’s dependence on Russian gas supplies and jeopardize the EU's domestic market. Source: Voice of America