EPP Group backs oil embargo and the EU’s new sanctions on Russia! Esther de Lange debates

Esther de Lange, a Dutch MEP from von der Leyen’s same political family, the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), backed the EU’s new sanctions on Russia, saying the immediate priority was to act against “Putin’s barbaric war” in Ukraine. “But that being said, we should also talk about the economic consequences here and our capacity to act” by preserving a strong industrial base in Europe, she added, saying this was key to maintain Europe’s unity. Addressing von der Leyen directly, de Lange said: “We badly need an analysis of the cumulative effect of the war – the rising energy prices, the shortages in raw materials, and new legislation on the table,” which she said risked having dire consequences on EU businesses and families struggling to pay their heating bills. “To be very honest, we are asking a lot from our industries. And don’t get me wrong, the EPP wants to achieve the objectives of the ‘Fit for 55’ package and the climate law. But we may have to look at a legislative embargo for new legislation to make sure that we are not burdening certain industries” with “the cumulative effect” of higher energy prices, new climate legislation, and new regulations in areas like chemicals, she said. #eudebates the unique initiative aiming to promote debate, dialogue, knowledge, participation and communication among citizens. #eudebates #Russia #Ukraine #Energy #Putin #Embargo #sanctions #Putin #OIL #Rubles The European Union has announced a new sanctions package against Russia, including an embargo on Russian oil. The sanctions also reportedly target the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. EU outlines Russian oil embargo plan European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled new sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, targeting Moscow's banks and oil industry. "Today we will propose to ban all Russian oil from Europe," von der Leyen said in the European Parliament, adding that "this will not be easy." The new measures would ban imports of Russian oil in the bloc by the end of this year. The move is a significant step for European countries, particularly Germany, that rely heavily on Russian energy imports. The latest sanctions package was expected to include several major exceptions for Slovakia and Hungary. Von der Leyen, however, did not mention any exemptions in her speech. Initially, Germany led the charge in resistance to an oil embargo on Russia, despite heavy criticism from Ukraine. The German government changed its position, however, after finding alternate sources for securing oil supplies. Ukrainian officials and energy experts have said Russia is funding its invasion largely through its energy exports to Europe. Russia looks to 'consolidate' military control in northeastern Donbas, says UK Despite facing setbacks in its advance in Ukraine's Donbas region, Russian troops are looking to consolidate control in the area, the British Defense Ministry said. In an intelligence update posted on Twitter, the ministry said Russia "has deployed 22 battalion tactical groups" near the city of Izium in eastern Ukraine. Although Russia's military is "struggling to break through Ukrainian defenses and build momentum," troops are likely to push towards the cities of Kramatorsk and Severodonetsk. Seizing these areas "would consolidate Russian military control" in the northeastern Donbas region — and provide a new staging point in their operations against Ukrainian forces, the British Defense Ministry said. EU targets officials behind Bucha atrocities: 'We know who you are' The European Union's newest sanctions package against Moscow is set to include Russian officials responsible for the atrocities committed in Bucha and Mariupol, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said. The sanctions will include high-ranking Russian military officers and others "who committed war crimes in Bucha and who are responsible for the inhuman siege of the city of Mariupol," von der Leyen said. "This sends another important signal to all perpetrators of the Kremlin's war: We know who you are, and you will be held accountable," she added. Ukraine 'not ruling out' Belarus military involvement EU recommends sanctioning head of Russian Orthodox Church The European Commission has recommended sanctioning the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill. A new round of EU sanctions seeks to shut out Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, from the SWIFT international banking payment system. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen announced the measures, alongside a Russian oil embargo. Sberbank and two other major Russian banks are set to be excluded from the international financial communication system. The sanctions also include an EU ban on three Russian state broadcasters, with von der Leyen calling the TV channels "mouthpieces that amplify Putin's lies and propaganda aggressively."