Commenting on the outcome of today's EU summit, Greens/EFA co-president Rebecca Harms said:

"A new sense of unity has been evident at this summit, which has helped Ukraine. EU heads of state and government have today sent a strong European signal to Ukrainian citizens and the transitional government by enacting the political side of the Association Agreement with Ukraine. This is a clear recognition of support for Ukraine that goes beyond financial stability.

"This, combined with the sanctions against the Russian elite, sends a strong message to Vladimir Putin that Europe is united in helping Ukraine and against further escalation by Russia. It remains scandalous that EU heads of state and government have failed to agree on an immediate halt to all arms exports to Russia however.

"The crisis between Russia, Ukraine and the EU underlines the urgent need for a future-oriented European energy strategy. Against this background, it is irresponsible that the summit agreed to put a decision on the EU's 2030 energy and climate goals on the back burner. We need ambitious, binding targets for renewable energy and energy savings in order to stimulate innovation in the EU and to reduce our unhealthy dependence on fossil fuel imports."

Richard More O'Ferrall,

Press and media advisor, social media coordinator,

Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament

Mobile: +32-477-443842

Ph. +32-22841669 (Brussels); +33-388174042 (Strasbourg)

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