Group items tagged

Europe has stumbled into a debate over the end of sanctions on the economically distressed Russia after French President Francois Hollande became the first major leader to dangle the prospect of easing the curbs. Hollande's appeal at a European Union summit Thursday was a reminder that the bans on financing of major Russian banks and the export of energy-exploration equipment will lapse next July unless renewed unanimously by the 28 EU governments. Hollande urged the EU to offer early "de-escalation" to reward expected peace overtures by Russian President Vladimir Putin in eastern Ukraine, while others including German Chancellor Angela Merkel put off sanctions relief until a settlement emerges.

"It will be very difficult to retain that unity among member states" when the sanctions are up for renewal, said Steven Blockmans, an analyst at the Centre for European Policy Studies in Brussels. "We might find the sanctions fizzling out when it comes to summer next year." European leaders papered over the controversy at the first summit chaired by new EU President Donald Tusk, who as Poland's prime minister had spearheaded moves to punish Russia for meddling with Ukraine. A communique said the bloc "will stay the course" and maintained the threat of "further steps if necessary."

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has urged revision of the West’s attitude to Russia. Russia should be plugged into addressing major international issues. Embattled Russia will benefit no one,’ Renzi said upon his arrival in Brussels for an EU summit. The Italian prime minister opposed the idea of more sanctions against Russia. “In relations with Russia we stick to our customary stance. We should give up faith in the magic power of the policy that has been conducted for the past few months. The attitude to Russia must be reconsidered and the attitude that has prevailed so far must be changed.”