European Council publishes conclusions on external relations and expects the Russian leadership to stop actions against the EU and its Member States, as well as against third countries.

“The European Union is committed to a united, long-term, and strategic European approach based on the five guiding principles. The European Council invites the Council, the Commission and the High Representative to continue to implement them fully, with due regard to the European Union’s values, principles and interests.

The European Council expects the Russian leadership to demonstrate a more constructive engagement and political commitment and stop actions against the EU and its Member States, as well as against third countries.

The European Council calls on Russia to fully assume its responsibility in ensuring the full implementation of the Minsk agreements as the key condition for any substantial change in the EU’s stance.

Regarding the strengthening of our resilience, the European Council stresses the need for a firm and coordinated response by the EU and its Member States to any further malign, illegal and disruptive activity by Russia, making full use of all instruments at the EU’s disposal, and ensuring coordination with partners. To this end, the European Council also invites the Commission and the High Representative to present options for additional restrictive measures, including economic sanctions.

The European Council stresses the need to further deepen and intensify political, economic and people-to-people ties and cooperation with the Eastern Partners with a view to increasing their resilience. In this context, it recalls the 2017 Eastern Partnership Summit declaration which acknowledges the European aspirations and European choice of the Eastern Partners concerned, as stated in the Association Agreements, and in the context of their entry into force. It also underlines its commitment to deepening relations with Central Asia”, - reads the statement.