The EU Supreme Representative for International Affairs and Security, Josep Borrel, wrote a column about sanctions against Russia. The Russian BBC Service quotes the main theses.
“Now, when the war is delayed, and energy prices are growing, people in Europe and other countries are wondering if these sanctions work and/or are their side effects are not too great. We do not belittle the different problems that may arise, Including attempts to circumvent restrictive measures, but sanctions remain an important political tool. “
“The decrease in our [EU] structural energy dependence on Russia is of great importance, because this dependence prevented the development of strong European policy in the conditions of aggressive actions of Moscow.”
“Such quick” detoxification “from Russian energy entails significant costs for a number of countries and sectors that we will have to face. However, this is the price that we must pay for the protection of our democracies and international law.”
“Russia will try to replace imports with domestic products. This was done, and not without success, in the agricultural sector after imposing sanctions in 2014. However, in case of high -tech products, it is much more difficult to achieve import substitution.”
“Europe should show strategic patience. The war will continue, the strength of the strength will continue. We have no other choice. To allow Russia to prevail – means to allow it to destroy our democracy and the very basis of the international world order based on the rules.”