EU not concerned about six member states’ presence at Putin’s oath-taking ceremony: “Fact of life” | Abroad

Putin was inaugurated as Russian president for the fifth time on Tuesday, after elections that international observers say were neither fair nor transparent. The Kremlin had invited foreign diplomatic representatives to attend the inauguration, but most sent their cats. Ultimately, six European Union member states did send a delegation, including France, Hungary, Slovakia, Greece, Malta and Cyprus.

“This does not question European policy towards Russia and Ukraine. This is a rather protocol matter,” a spokesperson for High Representative Borrell said on Wednesday. “See it as a ‘fact of life’, which reflects how European foreign policy is shaped: either through a common position that is reached unanimity, or through bilateral policy that the member states shape themselves. It is their sovereign decision to participate in such events.”

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU has already adopted thirteen sanctions packages against Russia and has completely sided with Kiev. “The European position is very clear. The participation of a number of diplomats in a protocol event does not call that position into question,” said Borrell’s spokesperson, who pointed out that the EU ambassador in Moscow was not present at the inauguration.

In the meantime, Member States are starting negotiations on a fourteenth package of sanctions. The ambassadors of the EU countries will hold a first exchange of views on this on Wednesday afternoon. They also discuss how they want to use the (excess) profits on the frozen Russian assets at the Brussels securities house Euroclear. An agreement on this may be reached.

WATCH ALSO. Kadyrov turns up at Putin’s inauguration

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