So far, the only winner from the events in Iran is Russia, which benefits from the increase in energy prices and the redirection of military capabilities that could have been used to help Ukraine. This was stated today by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa to the participants of the annual meeting of the ambassadors of the EU countries in Brussels.
The war in the Middle East is a matter of the greatest concern, he said. Iran is certainly responsible for the main causes of today's events, but unilateral decisions are never the right way. The EU calls on everyone to exercise maximum restraint and to resume negotiations. We support the right of the citizens of Iran to live in peace and decide their own future, Costa added.
He called for an end to the strikes on Iran's neighboring countries and noted that recent events are a threat not only to the Middle East and Europe. Freedom and human rights are not achieved with bombs, they are protected only by international law, Costa insisted.
In today's reality, Russia violates peace, China creates trade barriers, and the United States questions the rules-based international order. We must defend the rules-based international order, according to the principles of the UN Charter. Violations of international law are unacceptable - be it in Ukraine, Greenland, Latin America, Africa, Gaza or the Middle East. The UN must be reformed, but it cannot be replaced. Instead of increasing tariffs, the EU is offering cooperation - this is the only way we can expand our influence and defend the rules-based international order, Costa summed up.
It is in our interest that the world remains based on rules and cooperation. It is vital that the EU speaks with one voice in defending its values and interests, this is the best way to help Ukraine achieve a lasting and just peace. We know how difficult it is to achieve unanimity on foreign policy issues in the 27-member EU. I am deeply convinced that our differences are the wealth of our union, he said.
Costa added that the EU will fulfill its promise to provide a loan to Ukraine and expressed hope that tomorrow the sanctions against Russia will be extended, as well as progress will be made on approving additional sanctions.
We need to prepare for the next EU enlargement, Ukraine's application for accession has set the process in motion, and this includes Moldova and the Western Balkan countries. Their future is in the EU, but accession will remain based on merit. Decisive steps are needed to enlarge the EU in the coming years, said the President of the European Council.