The EU Parliament’s Anti-Russian Resolution Is Dangerous
Written by Andrew
KORYBKO on 30/04/2021
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Russia is a
major world power, and if the EU can attempt to bully it in such a dangerous
way, then there’s nothing stopping the bloc from doing the same to
comparatively weaker countries.
The European Parliament (EP) passed a resolution on
Thursday threatening very serious consequence against Russia if it carries out
an “invasion” of Ukraine. These include immediately stopping oil and gas
imports from the country and cutting it off from the SWIFT payment system, as
well as freezing the assets of so-called “oligarchs” and their families on top
of canceling their visas. The text also condemns alleged Russian intelligence
operations in Europe, including disinformation operations and the latest claims
that its agents were behind the 2014 munitions blast in Czechia.
They also want to stop Nord Stream II.
The EP also supports meddling in
Russia’s internal affairs. Examples of this include criticism of the country’s
recent jailing of anti-corruption blogger Alexei Navalny due
to his parole violations and the authorities’ decision to investigate whether
his organization is extremist. The resolution expresses support for
unsanctioned rallies in Russia too while criticizing the authorities’ response
to them. One of the most disturbing proposals put forth is to seriously
consider the UK’s proposal for a “Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regime”,
which could predictably be exploited for political purposes considering the
tense relations with Russia.
The EP’s resolution is therefore
very dangerous because it shows that ideologically driven anti-Russian
political forces in Europe are serious about imposing extreme costs on Moscow
solely for warning that it might defend its
legitimate border interests and those of its citizens in Eastern Ukraine in the
event that Kiev launches a military operation there. Cutting Russia off from
the SWIFT payment system might be akin to an unofficial declaration of war considering
the country’s international financial dependence on it. In addition, it’s
counterproductive to stop importing Russian oil and gas when no viable
alternatives exist at the moment.
Russia, like all countries, has an
obligation to enforce its laws. Navalny’s jailing was done in accordance with
existing legislation on this issue, as is its breaking up of unsanctioned
rallies and temporary detainment of their participants. As a case in point,
some EU countries have also detained participants of unsanctioned rallies that
were organized against their COVID-19 lockdowns in recent months, especially whenever
they clash with police. Furthermore, France is currently investigating various
organizations as extremist ones, just like Russia is doing too. The basis of
Brussels’ proposed meddling in Moscow’s internal affairs is therefore
hypocritical.
The rest of the world is rightly
concerned after this resolution was just passed. Russia is a major world power,
and if the EU can attempt to bully it in such a dangerous way, then there’s
nothing stopping the bloc from doing the same to comparatively weaker countries.
In addition, similar resolutions might one day be tabled against China too on a
similar basis as well. Basically, nobody would be safe if the EU succeeds in
cutting Russia off from SWIFT and so openly meddling in its internal affairs by
criticizing its law enforcement agencies and their work. That’s why this
resolution is so dangerous to world peace.
COVID-19 is still sweeping across
the world, and the extended effect of lockdown has been disastrous for the EU
member states’ economies, not to mention the psychological health of their
citizens. There are much more urgent tasks at hand for the EP to tackle than
concocting a list of threats and criticisms to officially make against Russia.
It’s disappointing to see that it’s more focused on such issues than those much
closer to home. Their supporters might argue that Russia’s alleged
assassinations, attacks, and disinformation plots constitute pressing domestic
threats, but none of these have been publicly proven and thus remain
speculation.
The EU is approaching an historic
crossroads whereby it can finally become more independent of American influence
or it can continue to languish under the boots of US neo-imperialism.
Judging by the latest resolution, it regrettably appears that the EP is opting
for the latter after jumping on America’s anti-Russian bandwagon to score
political points with their patron across the Atlantic. This is dangerous and
counterproductive to EU interests. What’s more, it’s also deeply unfortunate
too since the EP can and should put its legislative skills to work trying to
solve more urgent crises like COVID-19 instead.
Source: One World
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