URL: http://guardianlv.com/2014/03/crimeas-referendum-sparks-difference-of-opinion-in-european-union/
The article talks about how their are differences in opinions within the EU about the sanctions that it will impose on Russia after the referendum in Crimea regarding its joining with Russia. Many top EU officials have decided to create a blacklist of Russian businessmen from the political to the military realm and to impose travel restrictions on them. However some top businessman such as Alexey Miller, CEO of a natural gas exporting company in Russia called OAO Gazprom is exempt from the list. Some say that the reason for this is that Russia provides a lot of the energy needs of the EU.
In my opinion, this is some sort of example of a loss of sovreignty when joining a multi governmental organization such as the EU because while the are differences in opinions within the ministers regarding the imposition of sanctions on Russia, the final stance of the EU is that sanctions will be imposed on Russia as a result of its actions in Crimea. The article states for example, that Germany is calling upon Russia to provide close to 35% of the gas and oil that the country imports. They will be unable to do this if they cannot negotiate with Russian companies due to the sanctions that will be imposed, in which Germany will have to agree with since they are a part of the EU.
Kohjiro, let me first start out by saying that the point you make about the CEO of Gazprom being exempt from the sanctions list is AMAZING! Great investigative work.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I want to add that, much like Armand, I think you're really stretching to make a connection between this EU decision on Russia and a loss of sovereignty. Read my comment to him.
I see your point regarding the imposition of sanctions on Russia. However, doesn't the members or countries of the EU vote what sanctions to impose or if they are going to impose any sanctions at all? I think it is important to note that it is still possible for countries who are part of the EU to vote and have a say regarding matters such as the sanctions on Russia. What do you think will be the sanction on Russia if the EU does vote to impose sanctions?
ReplyDeleteCountries involved in the EU seem to have had more benefits by being a part of the organizations. However, what do you think of the ASEAN as it consists of countries that vary in terms of development e.g. Cambodia in contrast to China. The oceans separating most of these countries also act as a barrier. Do you think the ASEAN is as beneficial as the EU towards its members?
ReplyDeleteI like your summary and point. However, I thought Ukraine is not part of E.U. So is there still loss of sanction even though Crimea becomes part of Ukraine instead of Russia?
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