The EU needs to send Russia a clear message about possible further sanctions

The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has approved a Report on EU-Russia relations.

Sandra Kalniete MEP, Vice-Chair of the EPP Group, wrote the Report which lists a number of Russian actions that violate international law, including assassinations on European soil carried out by Russian intelligence agents using chemical weapons.

She explained how important it is for the EU not to engage with Russia if it violates international law and to maintain or even strengthen sanctions if it continues its unacceptable international behaviour. But we must also be open to dialogue in a selective way, in the areas where cooperation is necessary or explore a new framework for EU-Russia relations if Russia improves its behaviour.