14:58 12.12.2013

EP calls on EC to consider possible counter-measures if Russia puts economic pressure on Ukraine

2 min read
EP calls on EC to consider possible counter-measures if Russia puts economic pressure on Ukraine

The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to consider the introduction of possible "counter-measures" if Russia exerts economic pressure on Ukraine.

This is stated in a European Parliament resolution on the outcome of the Vilnius Summit and the future of the Eastern Partnership, in particular as regards Ukraine, which was voted during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Thursday.

In the section of the resolution, which concerns Russian pressure, the European Parliament reiterates "its firm condemnation of the unacceptable political and economic pressure, coupled with threats of trade sanctions, being exerted by Russia on Ukraine."

In this regard, the European Parliament urges the EU and its member states to speak to Russia "with one voice, and calls for the EU, together with its Member States, to develop and implement a policy of appropriate responses to these tools and measures used by Russia against Eastern partners."

The resolution also reiterates that the Association Agreement is "a matter of strictly bilateral concern between the two parties, and very firmly rejects any proposal to associate a third party in the process."

Furthermore, "[the European Parliament] calls on the [European] Commission to consider possible counter-measures which the EU can evoke when Russia breaks World Trade Organization (WTO) trade rules for short-sighted political ends."

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