The European Parliament has approved a resolution calling on Russia to return the stolen aircraft and to strengthen sanctions against Russia’s transport sector, according to the website of the European institution,
KYIV. UkraineGate , 6 , May , 2022 | War News .
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“MEPs (…) demand that Russia return the stolen planes and call on the EU to tighten sanctions on Russia,” reads a statement on Thursday’s resolution on the impact of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine on Ukraine’s transport and tourism sectors.
Details
MEPs are concerned about the serious impact of the war on the aviation sector and regret that Russia, in clear violation of the rules of international civil aviation, has forced aircraft leased from foreign companies to re-register in the Russian register of aircraft. “Such theft is unacceptable,” said MEPs, demanding the immediate return of the planes to their rightful owners.
They emphasize that the war in Ukraine has damaged the EU transport sector due to rising fuel prices and supply chain disruptions. MEPs believe that EU transport operators with links to the Russian market should be supported, as they are reorienting their operations with Russia.
The resolution also called on the EU to further strengthen sanctions against the Russian maritime sector and to deny admission of ships moored in Russia en route to the EU. In addition, all vessels wishing to call at EU ports should be prohibited from refueling in Russian ports, the text of the resolution added.
Also, according to MEPs, the decision of the European Council to sharply reduce funding for military mobility was a mistake that undermines European security. They call on the European Commission to find a solution to significantly increase the budget for military mobility under the Connected Europe Facility.
The EU should help member states develop dual-use infrastructure and transport connections within the EU, as well as with the Western Balkans, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, MEPs added, also in favor of expanding the trans-European transport network to Ukraine and Moldova.
MEPs also call on EU countries to support hotels and short-term rental services in the EU that accept Ukrainian refugees. They are asking the European Commission to set up an interim EU financial program to support travel companies that hire people fleeing the war.
Addition
On May 4, the EU officially announced the sixth package of sanctions against Russia, which includes punishment for the atrocities in Bucha, a phased oil embargo and the disconnection of Sberbank from SWIFT, among others.
Source: Ukrgate