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E.U.’s Top Official Details Plans For Lasting Support of Ukraine


For a long hour address Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union’s top official, stressed the bloc’s unwavering support for Ukraine and detailed plans to manage the domestic costs of confrontation with Russia.

Dressed in a yellow and blue outfit to match the colors of the Ukrainian flag – and with Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, seated in the front row of the chambers of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France – Mrs. von der Leyen argued that the Russian invasion was a war against Europe.

“This is not just a war wrought by Russia against Ukraine. This is a battle for our energy, a battle for our economy, a battle for our values ​​and a battle for our future,” said Ms. von der Leyen, chair of the Commission. Europe said.

Ms von der Leyen used the annual “State of Union” to deliver a message of determination, seeking to dispel speculation that the 27-nation bloc was considering easing sanctions against Russia despite the economic pain that Moscow has caused.

Russia has used its natural gas supplies to Europe to punish the pro-Ukrainian bloc, turning off the faucet and sending several European nations into a frantic search for alternative fuel sources. The crisis has pushed already record high energy prices, with consumers and businesses facing dire bills.

“I want to be very clear – the sanctions are still here. This is the time for us to show determination, not appeasement,” she said, adding that she would visit Ukraine late Wednesday on an unannounced trip.

Ms. von der Leyen also pledged 100 million euros ($100 million) to rebuild Ukraine’s schools. And she announced policies that try to connect Ukraine – that is a candidate for EU membership – closer to the bloc, including the expansion of free mobile roaming to Ukraine and giving the country access to its single market for goods and services.

Ms. von der Leyen spent much of her speech addressing the energy crisis, saying her office would propose legislation that would limit the revenue of companies that generate electricity from cheap sources, such as such as renewable energy.

And, in a bolder move than many expected, von der Leyen said she would propose a bloc to reform the energy pricing system to decouple the cost of electricity from the price of natural gas. She also said gas and coal companies would be taxed higher on their profits. A more detailed presentation of the measures, which need to be approved by EU governments, is expected later on Wednesday.

“The months ahead of us will not be easy – be it for families struggling to make ends meet, or businesses, who are facing difficult choices about their future. ,” she admitted.

But she added: “I stand here with the belief that, with courage and solidarity, Putin will fail and Europe will prevail.”



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