Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Union (EU) Commission, said that the package 11 prepared for Russia will include new elements that will prevent sanctions from being breached or circumvented.

Von der Leyen and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, gave a press conference at the end of the sessions of the first day of the EU Leaders Summit held in Brussels.

Noting that the sanctions are being breached and the loopholes in the existing sanctions are becoming more and more serious, von der Leyen said: “When we impose sanctions, the other party tries by all means to prevent and undermine the sanctions.”

‘TO REMOVE BONES AND AVOID PERFORATION’

Von der Leyen noted that the latest 10th anti-Russia package includes several elements that strengthen the implementation of existing sanctions, eliminate gaps and prevent their puncture.

Explaining that the EU has appointed a representative on sanctions, and that this person has met with countries where sanctions violations have been observed, von der Leyen stressed that they are also working intensively with the G7 countries to ensure compliance and share prevention information. of sanctions violations.

Von der Leyen recalled that in the 10th package of EU sanctions they introduced the possibility of listing people, companies or organizations in third countries that violate said measures.

Noting that they have taken various measures to violate the sanctions, von der Leyen said: “These measures are definitely not enough. Therefore, the 11th sanctions package will mainly address the problem of how to avoid circumvention of sanctions.”

THE IMPORTANT ISSUE WILL BE INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS

Von der Leyen noted that the important topic of the meeting was the competitiveness of the economy and industry, saying that global competition has become very strong.

“The EU still has work to do to develop its own cleantech industry.” Von der Leyen said, recalling that they have drawn up an Industrial Green Reconciliation Plan on this issue.

Recalling that they prepared net zero industry and critical raw materials bills two weeks ago, Von der Leyen stated that the European Parliament (EP) and member states should act quickly to bring these laws into force.

Emphasizing the importance of quickly getting rid of existing obstacles in the EU market, von der Leyen said that they should deepen the capital markets union and complete the banking union.

Von der Leyen said: “We need big public investments in infrastructure and cutting-edge projects. This requires sustainable public finances”. he said.

‘R&D EXPENDITURE SHOULD INCREASE’

Drawing attention to the importance of increasing R&D spending by EU countries, von der Leyen said that the key to success is innovation, explaining that competitors spend much more.

PREPARING TO LIGHTEN THE REDUCTION

European Council President Michel said they had a thorough discussion on competitiveness, the single market and energy issues, saying the leaders are committed to working together to ease the administrative burden, facilitate initiatives, speed up procedures and move forward. with smart rules and regulations to make Europe more competitive.

“To successfully complete the digital and green transformation, we must also be more assertive in innovation investments.” Michel said, emphasizing that they need to mobilize private capital to support this.

The US offers significant incentives for strategic investments with its disinflation law. EU; It fears that European manufacturers will lose their competitive advantage due to incentives and support from countries like the US and China and tries to take precautions in this area. (AA)