The EU may suspend aid to countries that support Russia and Iran – Euractiv

The European Union is considering imposing strict geopolitical conditions on the provision of external financial aid to developing countries. Under the new approach, countries that openly support the bloc’s geopolitical rivals—specifically the Russian Federation or Iran—could lose all European funding.

 This was stated on the eve of a meeting of relevant ministers in Brussels by the head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, whose remarks were cited by Euractiv.

The EU’s top diplomat emphasized that in an era of global conflicts and intensifying international competition, the European Union must act as strategically and pragmatically as possible. The bloc must gain legal flexibility that will allow it to quickly review or completely halt joint projects if a partner country begins to assist Europe’s adversaries. Kallas acknowledged that this is a matter of delicate balance, but stressed that Brussels is obligated to clearly defend its own security and economic interests.

These intentions were voiced during the active development of the EU’s future investment strategy, worth 300 billion euros, which is being incorporated into the next seven-year budget. European Commissioner for Development Josef Síkela supported this approach, noting that in today’s world, infrastructure and supply chains have become instruments of influence. According to the commissioner, under these conditions, European foreign policy can no longer afford to be sentimental but must strictly align with the EU’s strategic interests.

China, Russia, and the U.S. are seeking to divide the European Union, as a united Europe is too powerful a geopolitical player on the world stage. This was stated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas.

Kallas confirmedher participation in the EU’s negotiations with Russia.