EU adopts 14th sanctions package against Russia

The Council of the European Union (EU) announced on Monday the adoption of the 14th package of economic and individual restrictive measures against Russia, a move decried by the Russian Permanent Mission to the EU.

These measures target high-value sectors of the Russian economy, including energy, finance, and trade, making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions, according to a statement released by the Council.

The new sanctions include restrictive measures on an additional 116 individuals and entities.

Russia's Permanent Mission to the EU said in response to the announcement that the sanctions this time "has unleashed direct fire against its own", by apparently assuming that European business would be able to withstand another blow without suffering critical damage.

It denounced the EU for disregarding the commercial interests of local companies and forcing them to make a choice against their commercial interests and common sense, along the lines of "if you are not with us, you are against us".

The "sanctions overheating", which is absorbing more and more EU resources, risks spiraling out of control and will end badly for the EU economy, according to the Russian mission. The EU has decided to transfer the 1.4 billion euros in profits generated from the frozen assets of the Russian Federation into the Ukraine aid fund, according to several EU diplomats on Monday.

The EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Josep Borrell said on Monday that although Hungary had not yet approved the EU's plan, the EU had found a way to bypass Hungary's veto and implement the relevant measures.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxemburg that the EU believes Hungary does not have the right to make decisions because it abstained from a vote on using proceeds from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

He said the EU is disregarding Hungary's opposition in allocating funds to Ukraine, and has also proposed sending military trainers to Ukraine, actions that have already begun to cross the red line. He also said that the EU's common rules have never been so shamelessly violated or ignored.

Borrell said that EU foreign ministers have reached a legal framework agreement on the use of proceeds from frozen Russian assets. Borrell said Ukraine would receive 1.4 billion euros next month and 1 billion euros by the end of the year, which would be used for air defense, ammunition and support for Ukrainian industry.

The funds are the first installment of the EU utilizing the profits from Russia's frozen assets. As planned, the initial funds will be allocated to Germany, the Czech Republic, and Denmark. These countries will procure relevant products to provide aid to Ukraine.

After the Ukraine crisis escalated in February 2022, Western countries froze about 300 billion U.S. dollars of Russian assets abroad, most of them in Europe.

The EU Council already passed a series of regulations in May, approving the use of the profits generated from the frozen Russian assets held in EU central securities depositories to provide further support to Ukraine.

EU adopts 14th sanctions package against Russia

EU adopts 14th sanctions package against Russia

EU adopts 14th sanctions package against Russia

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Brussels, Belgium on Monday in solidarity with workers from an Audi factory that is scheduled to close and to call for a support plan to maintain industrial jobs.

According to local police, 5,500 people took to the streets of the Belgian capital, with many gathering in Place du Luxembourg, a major public square adjacent to the European Parliament building, Espace Leopold.

The demonstration was prompted by Audi's decision to close its factory in the city's Forest neighborhood, where some 3,000 people are employed.

Many who turned out to protest wore union jackets, and local unions have also called for a strike day in solidarity with Audi workers.

Protesters emphasized, however, that grievances for working Belgians have been building up for years and the factory closure is only the latest in a slew of hardships.

"It was there a bit with COVID. Then it began with the war, and prices are getting higher from the materials and this makes it only more difficult for normal working people to buy, for example, a car. On the other hand, the demand is lower than before because of this reason, and this is something to think about. This is our signal to the government," said Alen, a protest organizer who wore the jacket of the General Confederation of Liberal Trade Unions of Belgium (ACLVB or CGSLB).

The situation is further complicated by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, with some protesters in Belgium noting that the influx of refugees is affecting local employment.

"All these issues, including the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the economic situation, are detrimental. Additionally, many workers are from Ukraine. The war benefits no one," said Pierre, a protester.

Belgian media have reported an increase in bankruptcies within the manufacturing sector as companies struggle to keep up with technological advancements. There are calls for the government to implement policies that improve workers' skills and protect high-quality employment and industry investment, avoiding the loss of European manufacturing.

"We hope to send a clear message that manufacturing in Europe is declining. Manufacturing must be sustained. Europe or any country should not rely solely on social welfare. Manufacturing has been moving outside Europe, and European politicians have not taken action," said Frank, an Audi factory employee.

Audi has announced that its Brussels factory will be reorganized in July this year. The facility has halted operations since September.

Thousands protest, unions call for strike amid Audi factory closure in Brussels