Internal notes on the

European Parliament Session ( 26-29/04/2021)

prepared by ODGP Programming Department

Date / Time: 28/04/2021- 15:08- 17:43

Committee / Topic / Meeting title: Statement by the VPC/HR - Russia, the case of Alexei Navalny,
military build-up on Ukraine's border and Russian attack in the Czech Republic

Text:

Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy opened his speech by indicating that the relations with Russia
continue deteriorating. Clear examples of this are:
• Russia’s destabilizing policy against Ukraine. Despite ongoing withdrawal of its military from the
Ukrainian borders, they were there for a long time with a lot of resources.
• The worrisome internal developments, particularly the case of Alexei Navalny.
• The recent diplomatic crisis, after findings of criminal acts in the Czech Republic carried out by
Russian intelligence services, as the Czech Republic authorities claim.
He stressed out that Russia’s actions are completely unacceptable and the EU firmly supports the
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized
borders. Mr. Fantelles further stated that for the European Union, an independent and prosperous
Ukraine is an indispensable element of the European stability and security, and that is why we
encourage Ukraine to continue the pace of reforms.
With regard to the health situation of the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, Mr.
Fantelles indicated that EU’s voice on this matter has been very much strong and united. Finally, last
week, Mr Navalny was finally taken to a civilian hospital and examined by independent doctors as
we were requesting. However, he further stressed out that, unfortunately, EU cannot expect that
things will be improving during the next electoral process in Russia. The September Duma elections
will bring more limitations to fundamental freedoms in the run-up to this election.
Josep Borrell Fontelles, furthermore, stated that the conclusions by the Czech authorities that
officers of the Russian military intelligence, the GRU, perpetrated attacks, causing the death of two
Czech citizens, are extremely serious. The fact that it happened seven years ago does not decrease
the gravity of these acts. This is not about military intelligence: this is about a grave criminal offence
that runs counter to Russia’s international obligations, and such behavior cannot be accepted.
Lastly, Josep Borrell Fontelles stressed out that European Union’s policy framework towards Russia
based on the five principles will continue, and EU will continue working on internal resilience,
fighting against hybrid and cyber threats; assisting the Russian people, stepping-up support for the
Russian civil society and human rights defenders and by enhancing people-to-people contacts.

MEPs:
The majority of MEPs condemned Russia's provocations at the Ukrainian border, the imprisonment
and treatment of Alexei Navalny, as well as its interference in the Czech Republic. They urged the
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, along with the European
Council, to demonstrate the EU's solidarity by taking appropriate countermeasures. Some other
speakers also called for tougher sanctions over Moscow’s aggressive conduct, including manoeuvres
near Ukraine’s border.
Some MEPs also expressed their concern over the EU’s dependence on Russian energy, and urged
to stop the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline and not let the Russian Rosatom company
build nuclear plants in the EU. Furthermore, it was suggested by some European Parliament
lawmakers to disconnect Russia from the SWIFT payment system and halt the purchase of Russian
oil and gas supplies if Moscow’s alleged “aggression and continued destabilization of Ukraine, hostile
behavior towards and outright attacks on EU member states and societies” escalates into military
action.

The Resolution, and Amendments (1, 2,3, 4) on Russia, the case of Alexei Navalny, military build-up
on Ukraine's border and Russian attack in the Czech Republic have been adopted by the European
Parliament.

Link to this Session’s adopted agenda:

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/sed/doc/news/flash/25265/SYN_OJ_April_BRU_f_EN.pdf