EU leaders discuss help for Ukraine amid split over Russia sanctions
The commission proposed at the beginning of March to end imports of Russian crude oil in six months, but Budapest has steadfastly blocked the measure, leading to the ongoing stand-off
EU leaders are to meet in Brussels on Monday for a two-day extraordinary summit to discuss their support for Ukraine as well as their long-term response to Russia’s invasion.
The meeting comes amid continued division over an embargo on Russian oil after a compromise proposed by the European Commission to exempt oil imported by pipeline failed to receive backing by all EU ambassadors at talks on Sunday.
A ban on Russian coal imports was approved earlier this year. The commission then proposed at the beginning of March to end imports of Russian crude oil in six months. But Budapest has steadfastly blocked the measure, leading to the ongoing stand-off.
The disagreement among EU countries over new sanctions risks being on full display when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to join the meeting via video link.
Also on Monday, EU leaders are expected to discuss short term financial assistance to war-torn Ukraine as well as funding for the country's post-war reconstruction.
End all energy imports
The commission’s major initiative to end all Russian energy imports to the bloc within the next five years is also on the agenda.
On Tuesday, EU leaders will discuss global food security in the face of a looming food crisis together with the chairperson of the African Union who is expected to join EU leaders via video link.
Finally, the EU heads of state and government will discuss how to jointly strengthen their defence capacities in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The summit meeting is expected to end on Tuesday afternoon.