Federica Mogherini
The EU does not intend to change its position on Russia, even if the US will change his point of view in this matter. Such statement as transfers RIA Novosti, made to journalists by the head of EU diplomacy Federica Mogherini after an informal dinner with foreign Ministers, devoted to results of elections in the United States.
“As for Russia, you know, the EU has taken a very principled position on illegal annexation of Crimea and the situation in Ukraine. This will not change, despite policy changes”, — said Mogerini, answering the question of how possible changes in U.S. relations with Russia after the victory of Republican Donald trump will affect the position of the EU.
According to Mogherini, the EU “talks with Russia and working with Russia on many issues.” Among them she mentioned the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program, middle East peace process, Libya and counter-terrorism.
“To some extent and in Syria, we are working together in the framework of the international support group Syria, even if our position on some issues varies greatly, but for others it’s a match,” said Mogherini.
July 1, the European Union extended economic sanctions against Russia until 31 January 2017. On the same day, Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on extension of counter-sanctions on August 6, 2016 to December 31, 2017.
A number of countries, including the USA and member States of the EU have introduced restrictive measures against Russia in 2014 by associating them with the entry of the Crimea into the Russian Federation, and then the conflict in the South-East of Ukraine. In response, Moscow August 6, 2014, imposed an embargo on the import of products from these countries.