European Union

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/346 of 1 March 2022 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

**Updated with previous statements of Hungarian politicians and analyst comments.  Hungary will allow NATO troops to deploy in western Hungary and weapons shipments to cross its territory to other NATO member states, according to a government decree published on Monday...

Russia appears to be preparing measures to tighten control over the internet, under the guise of seeking to be more resilient against cyberattacks, according to an internal document circulated on social media and comments by Russian officials.

Russia announced new "humanitarian corridors" on Monday (7 March) to transport Ukrainians trapped under its bombardment - to Russia itself and its ally Belarus, a move immediately denounced by Kyiv as an immoral stunt.

The French Renaissance delegation of the European Parliament's liberal Renew Europe Group opposes the list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) which sets aside €13 billion for gas projects in Europe as Russia's war in Ukraine rages on.

Monday, 7 March

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

Monday, 7 March

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

The doublespeak by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriach Kirill, on "the events taking place" is not just reprehensible – it could amount to an international crime.

The war in Ukraine could upset the EU's ambitions to become a leader in the production of semiconductors, which since 2020 have been in short supply. EURACTIV France reports.

President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling on Nato to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine to stop the bombing of his country by Russia. But all members of the defence alliance have so far categorically ruled out this option. President Putin has reiterated his warning that Russia would interpret such a move as a declaration of war and retaliate accordingly. Europe's press is divided.

Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is trying his hand as a mediator in the Ukraine war. First he trvelled to Moscow for a meeting with Putin and then he flew to Berlin. But China is also under discussion for the role. Europe's press examines the options and the vested interests states may be pursuing when they propose their service as mediators.

Russia and China have strengthened their relations in recent years. After breaking its ties with the West, Moscow now seems more dependent on Beijing, which has so far remained neutral on the Ukraine issue. Commentators look at who would benefit from a new axis between Russia and China.