Europe will cancel penalties against Russia as soon as achieved a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, Western politicians do not want to link the issue of sanctions with Crimea. This opinion was expressed in a conversation g?nter Verheugen, the head direction of European integration at the Agency for the modernisation of Ukraine, former Vice-President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for EU enlargement.

on the question of whether the EU should move towards abolition of the punishment if the Crimea will continue to be from Russia, Verheugen said that this man was under the impression that European governments have linked the normalization of relations with Russia with the return of the Crimea.

"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, " explained 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 ", - said the politician.

He believes 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 need " - said in conclusion, g?nter Verheugen.


Western countries since March 2014 several times already imposed penalties because Russia's position on Ukraine. The last case of the use of such practices were the limits imposed in March 2015, when expanded sanctions List Australia.

The list of Russian citizens and organizations who have fallen under the punishment - in the material of the Fins news

sections: Politics