In the European Union Affairs Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu, today the discussion focus was on the situation in Ukraine. This issue will be tackled at the European Council at the end of this week.

The Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Kalle Palling stressed that unconditional implementation of Minsk deals must be insisted on. “In the implementation of Minsk deals, a blind eye must not be turned to violations of ceasefire. They must be taken with full seriousness. If necessary, sanctions must be tightened,” Palling said. He added that only compliance with Minsk deals can be a precondition for resolution of any further issues.

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson underlined that Russia’s aggressive activities and the situation in Ukraine directly concern our security. “The fact that the Ukraine issue is discussed at the Council is important in terms of ensuring European unity. We must be active and we must highlight all facts that show the fragility and instability of the Ukrainian ceasefire which may lead to a new outbreak of military activities,” Mihkelson said.

During the discussion, it was considered necessary to bring to the Council’s attention that the process of ratification of the association agreements concluded with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia should be completed sooner in the EU Member States. This would serve as an impetus for the implementation of reforms in these countries.

At the joint sitting of the committees, issues relating to the European Energy Union that will be discussed at the forthcoming European Council were also touched upon. The Energy Union is important in connection with ensuring security and supply security.

Thus, three topics will be on the agenda of the European Council in Brussels on 19 and 20 March: the European Energy Union, the European Semester and foreign affairs. The situation in Ukraine as well as the relations with Russia and the preparation for the Eastern Partnership Summit due in Riga in May will be discussed, and the situation in Libya will be looked at.

Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas participated in the joint sitting of the committees and presented the positions of the Government.

The Riigikogu Press Service