Rõivas to EU delegates: the European Union is forced to continue with sanctions on Russia

Tallinn, 8 December 2015 – Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas said at today’s meeting with the delegates of the Member States of the European Union and candidate countries, that the European Union is forced to continue with sanctions against Russia, because the agreements made in Minsk are not complied with.

"As the eastern part of Ukraine and Crimea continue to be occupied and the Minsk agreements for ceasefire have not been fully complied with, the European Union is forced to continue with sanctions against Russia," Rõivas said.
Rõivas stressed, that regardless of the fact that crises in Europe’s neighbourhood have intensified, for example the Syrian civil war, Ukraine must continue to be on the EU’s radar.

Commenting on the situation on Schengen’s borders Rõivas said that European countries must do everything to protect the external borders and keep the internal borders open. "A well integrated and open European Union is a value, which is not only expressed by the ability to travel, but also contributes to the growth of people’s wellbeing and opportunities," Prime Minister Rõivas said.

Rõivas also commended Luxembourg for the successful organisation of the Council of the European Union’s presidency at a difficult time.
The meeting of the Member States of the European Union and candidate countries in the format of a lunch is invited for ending Luxembourg’s presidency.

Photos: https://valitsus.ee/et/galeriid/lounasook-luxemburgi-eesistumise-lopetamiseks