Ex-EU Commissioner: the West does not want to force Russia to return the Crimea

Brussels will cancel penalties against Russia's capital immediately upon reaching a peaceful resolution of the conflict situation in Ukraine, Western politicians do not want to link the punishment with the Crimea, said the head of the direction of European integration at the Agency for the modernisation of Ukraine, former Vice-President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for enlargement g?nter Verheugen.
"I have not got the impression that European governments have linked the normalization of relations with Russia to return Crimea to Ukraine," the politician said, answering the question Deutsche Welle can the EU move towards abolition of the punishment if the Crimea will continue to be from Russia.
"It is possible that Western politicians do not wish to force Moscow to return to the Crimea, because it is clear, because It can only be with the use of military force. But because no one wants military intervention, the situation is quite clear, " added the ex-Commissioner. According to Verheugen, promoting the idea of creating a transatlantic free trade area in no way contradicts the simultaneous discussion of the organization of the free trade area between the EU and Russia." Concerning the EU and the Eurasian Union seems to me to be something more. Namely: the development of a fully integrated European internal market, the development of this single economic space. It is much more than a free trade area ", - he said. Former Commissioner considers it absolutely realistic idea of creating a single economic space throughout between Lisbon and Vladivostok." Russia is an important and powerful partner. Russia is an inalienable part of Europe. To take the issue of future energy supply of Europe. Russia needed us as an economic partner, in the form of a partner in tackling global challenges. Yes, we need Russia. But Russia, we also needed, " said Verheugen. In Crimea on March 16 of last year held a referendum on the status of autonomy, more than 96% of participants who were in favor of joining region in Russia. March 21, 2014 Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law on ratification of the agreement on joining of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia And signed the decree about formation of the Crimean Federal district.


sections: Politics