(updated on 20 May 2022)
The war continues, but the expected Blitzkrieg seems to become a long conflict that could also have very negative effects on Putin’s regime (and the rest of Europe). Ukraine resists and the international community is becoming more united in supporting the Ukrainian people and establishing sanctions against Russia and Russian interests.
Besides the humanitarian crisis, there are complicated components related to the economy, the European needs regarding energy, and geostrategic aspects, among others. Even the traditionally neutral Finland and Sweden are joining the NATO.
We would like to draw your attention to the CoR’s Info-Support Hub for Regions and Cities and the Cities4Cities initiative by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at the Council of Europe. A similar initiative could be initiated by border or cross-border regions in Europe.
Every 2-3 weeks, major European associations of regions and municipalities meet under the coordination of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities to coordinate efforts and get updated information through Ukrainian partners such as the Association of Ukrainian Cities, which will be 30 at the end of June. Besides the coordination of support to Ukrainian cities and regions, there is a follow up of abducted mayors, whose whereabouts are still unknown.
Here you can find some of the latest news and statements by EU institutions:
Information for people fleeing the war
CoR’s Info-Support Hub for Regions and Cities
Cities4Cities initiative by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities at the Council of Europe
About disinformation: EUvsDisinfo
Spatial Foresight’s article Regional sensitivities to the consequences of the war in Ukraine
Latest news:
EU Observer has reported that Serbia still refuses to impose sanctions on Russia. Serbia will still not join international sanctions against Russia, President Aleksandar Vučić told TV network Prva TV on 15 May. Read more.
On 16 May 2022, foreign ministers from the Western Balkan countries were invited for lunch with their EU colleagues to calm certain uncertainties in the region. Namely, that the accession of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia will not mean a setback for the region with aspiring countries.
On Tuesday 17 May, defence ministers also talked about Russia and their coordinated efforts.
On 18 May, the Commission put forward the RePowerEU plan, which aims to help the diversification of fossil fuel imports in the bloc, as the EU aims to get rid of its dependence on Russian energy supplies, starting with the gas. The Parliament’s trade committee has also voted to lift all import duties on any product coming from Ukraine, in an effort to help the country’s economy.
Also on 18 May, the commission has detailed a relief and reconstruction plan for Ukraine, while Moldovan president Maia Sandu has addressed MEPs on the war in Ukraine and its consequences.
On 19 May, MEPs discussed the prosecution of Russian war crimes and genocide in Ukraine, energy security after Russia’s invasion and the recent cuts in the gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria.
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