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The EU and its member states stand united in their unwavering support for Ukraine and firmly condemn Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression.
Latest news
EU adopts its latest package of individual and economic sanctions
On 6 October 2022, in light of the escalating war and illegal annexations in Ukraine the Council has adopted new sanctions which include:
a price cap related to the maritime transport of Russian oil for third countries
additions to the list of restricted items which may contribute to Russia's military and technological enhancement
additional restrictions on trade and services with Russia
In 2021, Russia started a large-scale military build-up near the border with eastern Ukraine, generating great concern in Ukraine, Europe and across the world.
On 21 February 2022, after weeks of extreme tensions, President Vladimir Putin decided to recognise the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (administrative regions) in Ukraine as independent entities and to send Russian troops into those areas.
This followed a positive vote by the Russian State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament) on 15 February.
On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine.
What does the EU say about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?
The EU strongly condemns Putin’s decision to recognise the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk and Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. It also condemns Belarus' involvement in Russia's military aggression.
Timeline
06/10/2022
EU adopts new sanctions in response to annexations in Ukraine
06/10/2022
Council formally adopts emergency measures to reduce energy prices
30/09/2022
Council agrees on emergency measures to reduce energy prices
30/09/2022
EU leaders condemn Russia's illegal annexation in Ukraine
27/09/2022
EU countries to continue help Ukraine export food via solidarity lanes
Since February 2022, the European Council and the Council of the European Union have been meeting regularly to discuss the situation in Ukraine from different perspectives.
The use of force and coercion to change borders has no place in the 21st century. Tensions and conflict should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomacy.
European Council conclusions, 24 February 2022
EU leaders demanded on several occasions that Russia immediately cease its military actions, unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.
They emphasised the right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and commended the people of Ukraine for their courage in defending their country.
In response to the military aggression, the EU has massively expanded sanctions against Russia, by adding a significant number of persons and entities to the sanctions list, and by adopting unprecedented measures.
The EU has shown unity and strength and has provided Ukraine with humanitarian, political, financial and military support.
Ukraine belongs to our European family.
EU leaders’ statement, 10 March 2022
The EU is committed to continue to show solidarity and provide support to the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine and the countries hosting them. It is also coordinating with partners and allies, within the UN, OSCE, NATO and the G7.
On several occasions, the European Council condemned Russia’s indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and reiterated that international humanitarian law must be respected. EU leaders underlined that Russia, Belarus and all those responsible for war crimes and the other most serious crimes will be held to account for their actions in accordance with international law.
What measures has the EU taken against Russia?
Individual and economic sanctions
The EU has adopted a number of sanctions in response to Russia’s unprecedented and unprovoked military attack on Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
The measures are designed to weaken Russia's economic base, depriving it of critical technologies and markets, and significantly curtailing its ability to wage war.
Infographic - EU sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
individual sanctions against members of the Russian State Duma who voted in favour of the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
restrictions on economic relations with the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
restrictions on Russia's access to the EU’s capital and financial markets and services
The Council adopted a decision that fully suspends the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Russia. Consequently, the general rules of the visa code will apply to Russian citizens. This will result in:
an increase in the visa application fee from €35 to €80
the need to present additional documentary evidence
increased visa processing times
more restrictive rules for the issuance of multiple-entry visas
The decision will enter into force on the day of its adoption and will apply as of 12 September 2022.
The EU and its citizens stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. The EU has taken concrete actions to support Ukraine and its neighbouring countries that are providing protection for people fleeing the war. Measures include:
reception of refugees through the temporary protection mechanism
€348 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine and Moldova
material assistance to Ukraine and its neighbouring countries through the EU civil protection mechanism
€20 billion to support member states hosting refugees
up to €9 billion in macro-financial assistance to foster stability
€2.5 billion to support the Ukrainian armed forces
How is the EU responding to the war's market impact?
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is having a disruptive effect on global markets. Since the conflict began, there has been a sharp increase in world prices for key commodities, in particular fuels. Recent increases are putting new pressure on markets, after they already experienced historically high prices for energy and fertilisers in 2021.
The war has also caused uncertainty about the security of the energy supply. Russia, traditionally a main supplier of fossil fuels to the EU, has suspended gas delivery to a number of EU member states, prompting the EU to quickly respond to secure supply in all countries.
Russia's attacks to crops and transport infrastructure have hampered Ukraine's ability to export its agri-food production, which has further aggravated the global food crisis.
The European Council and the Council of the EU immediately reacted to growing prices and concerns over food and energy supplies.
Energy crisis
In March 2022, EU leaders agreed to phase out the EU’s dependency on Russian fossil fuel imports. In addition, EU countries are working together towards:
securing gas supplies while cutting demand for gas
accelerating the transition to clean energy
The focus for EU countries is also on mitigating the effects of high energy prices on households and businesses.
At the European Council meeting held on 23-24 June 2022, EU leaders urged Russia to immediately stop targeting agricultural facilities and to unblock the Black Sea ports to permit the export of Ukrainian grain. EU leaders underlined that EU sanctions against Russia allow the free flow of agricultural and food products and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Thanks to the so-called solidarity lanes facilitated by the EU, around 10 million tonnes of grain and oilseed were exported from Ukraine since May 2022. Food is getting to countries in need, in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
EU countries are responding to the global food crisis by:
providing emergency relief to those most in need
helping developing countries make their food production more sustainable
