The European People's Party (EPP) deplores the groundless and hostile measure by the Russian authorities to blacklist several EU politicians by denying them entry to Russian territory. This totally arbitrary measure is clearly not in line with international law, violates universal standards and is without any legal basis and transparency. We regret that this act is counterproductive and detrimental to the already weak channels of communication between the European Union and Russia. A list with 89 names has been shared without any further information on its legal basis, criteria and process of decision making. It includes 10 active EPP Members of the European Parliament, comprising EPP Vice President Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, three former EPP MEPs, several current or former EPP member party leaders and EPP members of national parliaments. More than 20 people on the list belong to the EPP, the most of any European-level political family. These hostile measures taken by Russia against key EPP politicians prove that the EPP finds itself at the forefront of the fight for a peaceful and democratic order in Europe, based on international law and the principle of the inviolability of frontiers. This act will even intensify the EPP’s determination to continue the battle for fundamental European principles and values. We appeal to Russia to respect international norms and standards, refrain from military aggression and implement the Minsk agreements. Referring to our EPP Eastern Partnership Leaders’ Meeting Riga Declaration of 21 May, we reiterate that the “full implementation of the Minsk Agreements constitutes a precondition for any improvement in relations with Russia.”  


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For more information contact:

 

Alexandra Henman

Deputy Spokesperson

+32 471 90 76 84

alh@epp.eu

 

Angelos Athanasopoulos

National and Regional Press Director

+32 471 90 76 35

aa@epp.eu