Lonely Hearts? EU President Seeks 'Softer, More Charming' Russia

© Fotobank.ru/Getty Images / Sean GallupPresident of the European Council Donald Tusk
President of the European Council Donald Tusk - Sputnik International
Subscribe
In remarks ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Riga, European Council President Donald Tusk stated that the EU will 'stay the course' in its expansion of relations with the Eastern Partnership nations, adding that Russia should behave in in a "softer, more charming" manner in order to improve relations with its post-Soviet neighbors.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is reflected in a window pane as she delivers a government declaration about the European Union and an Eastern Partnership with former Soviet Republics at the German parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, May 21, 2015. - Sputnik International
Tensions Rise Ahead of Eastern Partnership Summit
The ongoing two-day summit, wrapping up in the Latvian capital on Friday, is an EU initiative aimed at consolidating the politico-economic union's relations with the post-Soviet Eastern European states of Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, as well as the Caucasian nations of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Commenting on the EU's ongoing attempts to expand its influence into the former Soviet space, Tusk boldly declared that the EU "stays the course" and "is as committed to our Eastern Partners as ever," despite "intimidation, aggression and even…war."

Tusk, who played an instrumental role in the creation of the Polish-proposed initiative seven years ago, while serving as the country's prime minister, also stated with confidence that he is "absolutely sure that the Eastern Partnership is our shared priority – across Europe, not only for the eastern and central parts of our continent as it was five years ago."

Arguing that the Eastern Partnership program is not an initiative directed at Russia, despite Moscow repeatedly suggesting that the program is an attempt to expand the EU's sphere of influence, Tusk simultaneously scolded Russia as it were a jealous lover in need of a behavioral adjustment:

"The Eastern Partnership is not a beauty contest between Russia and the European Union. But, let me be frank, beauty does count. If Russia was a bit softer, more charming, more attractive, perhaps it wouldn’t have to compensate for its shortcomings by its destructive and aggressive bullying tactics against its neighbors."

Preempting Ukrainian officials' voicing their disappointment over the EU putting off the introduction of visa-free travel arrangements, despite promises made last year during the signing of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, Tusk also vaguely suggested that Ukrainian impatience for speedy change must be replaced with gradual, "step-by-step" progress.

Tusk is known for his critical attitude toward Russia's 'behavior' over the Ukraine crisis, essentially blaming Moscow for the civil war in eastern Ukraine. Despite a growing split among EU countries over the continuation of the sanctions policy, Tusk has also stated that he expects the EU to maintain sanctions until the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

A political decision on the abolition of Schengen zone visas for Georgian nationals has already been taken and all technical procedures are expected to be completed by the end of 2015, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said Thursday - Sputnik International
Georgia Expects EU to Introduce Visa Free Regime by 2016
Tusk's remarks match the hostile tone of Polish politicians in the course of presidential elections presently being held in the country. With incumbent Bronislaw Komorowski announcing a multi-billion dollar rearmament program in April, his Law and Justice opponent Andrzej Duda announced Thursday that Poland needs a Russia which has let go of "imperial ambitions." Polish media have characterized the politicians' campaigns as a chest-pounding contest to see which among them would best defend Poland against Putin.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала