Following the Council gathering EU heads of state and government, the president of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Iratxe García MEP said:

“I welcome the adoption of the sixth package of sanctions. We are taking steps to put an end to our dependence on Russian fossil fuels and every step is important until we reach zero imports of oil and gas. I wish we could move faster, but unity is more important than speed and we must insist on solidarity between member states.

“The Council has also taken an important measure to allow for Ukrainian grain to be sold on the international market and to alleviate any world shortage.

"We, the S&Ds, also support the confiscation of frozen Russian assets in compliance with EU and international law to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.

“However, I am truly disappointed by the lack of vision of member states and the inaction of the European Commission when it comes to addressing the internal impact in the EU of Putin’s war against Ukraine. They should listen to the European Parliament.

“They are neglecting the social impact on EU citizens and where to find new instruments to finance some key policies, such as helping integrate refugees. We should not be taking money from structural programmes to face an emergency situation. Another solution must be found and the European Parliament has already proposed some measures in the resolution adopted in the last plenary.”