02:22EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, addressed the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza during remarks in New York on Friday, offering insights into potential solutions for both situations.
Borrell emphasised the significant impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on European perceptions of security. He stated, "The brutality of the Russian invasion helped us to uniform our perception of the threat," noting that previously, the Russian threat was viewed differently across Europe. For instance, "geography matters," as people in the Baltics, who have historical ties to deportations during Soviet times, have a more immediate sense of danger compared to those in Western Europe, such as Madrid.
Regarding Ukraine, Borrell pointed out that the conflict has fostered closer ties between the EU and Ukraine, enabling the country to be granted candidate status for EU membership—something he described as "unthinkable before the war."
He highlighted the extensive support the EU has provided, noting the acceptance of 5 million Ukrainian refugees and a significant reduction in energy dependency on Russia.
On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Borrell expressed frustration over the lack of a ceasefire, stating that even the diplomatic efforts of the United States have not been sufficient to achieve one.
He mentioned, "The ceasefire is not coming... maybe it will never come." Therefore, he urged stakeholders to begin working toward a two-state solution without waiting for a ceasefire to materialise, stressing the importance of proactive diplomatic efforts.
Borrell also defended the EU's contributions to Ukraine, asserting that their support in military, economic, financial, and humanitarian assistance exceeds that of the US, totalling over 130 billion euros.
The UNGA High-level General Debate continues in New York until September 30.
'Russian invasion helped us to uniform our perception of threat' - EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, addressed the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza during remarks in New York on Friday, offering insights into potential solutions for both situations.
Borrell emphasised the significant impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on European perceptions of security. He stated, "The brutality of the Russian invasion helped us to uniform our perception of the threat," noting that previously, the Russian threat was viewed differently across Europe. For instance, "geography matters," as people in the Baltics, who have historical ties to deportations during Soviet times, have a more immediate sense of danger compared to those in Western Europe, such as Madrid.
Regarding Ukraine, Borrell pointed out that the conflict has fostered closer ties between the EU and Ukraine, enabling the country to be granted candidate status for EU membership—something he described as "unthinkable before the war."
He highlighted the extensive support the EU has provided, noting the acceptance of 5 million Ukrainian refugees and a significant reduction in energy dependency on Russia.
On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Borrell expressed frustration over the lack of a ceasefire, stating that even the diplomatic efforts of the United States have not been sufficient to achieve one.
He mentioned, "The ceasefire is not coming... maybe it will never come." Therefore, he urged stakeholders to begin working toward a two-state solution without waiting for a ceasefire to materialise, stressing the importance of proactive diplomatic efforts.
Borrell also defended the EU's contributions to Ukraine, asserting that their support in military, economic, financial, and humanitarian assistance exceeds that of the US, totalling over 130 billion euros.
The UNGA High-level General Debate continues in New York until September 30.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, addressed the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza during remarks in New York on Friday, offering insights into potential solutions for both situations.
Borrell emphasised the significant impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on European perceptions of security. He stated, "The brutality of the Russian invasion helped us to uniform our perception of the threat," noting that previously, the Russian threat was viewed differently across Europe. For instance, "geography matters," as people in the Baltics, who have historical ties to deportations during Soviet times, have a more immediate sense of danger compared to those in Western Europe, such as Madrid.
Regarding Ukraine, Borrell pointed out that the conflict has fostered closer ties between the EU and Ukraine, enabling the country to be granted candidate status for EU membership—something he described as "unthinkable before the war."
He highlighted the extensive support the EU has provided, noting the acceptance of 5 million Ukrainian refugees and a significant reduction in energy dependency on Russia.
On the Israel-Hamas conflict, Borrell expressed frustration over the lack of a ceasefire, stating that even the diplomatic efforts of the United States have not been sufficient to achieve one.
He mentioned, "The ceasefire is not coming... maybe it will never come." Therefore, he urged stakeholders to begin working toward a two-state solution without waiting for a ceasefire to materialise, stressing the importance of proactive diplomatic efforts.
Borrell also defended the EU's contributions to Ukraine, asserting that their support in military, economic, financial, and humanitarian assistance exceeds that of the US, totalling over 130 billion euros.
The UNGA High-level General Debate continues in New York until September 30.