“Merkel’s position is not new, in such a contradictory tone: on the one hand, stating that a break with Russia is neither necessary nor desirable, on the other hand, saying that Europe should put pressure on Russia through sanctions. On the one hand, there are the USA and the structures of NATO and the EU, and a part of the political elites of European countries that are oriented towards Euro-Atlantism is a stance towards toughening confrontation with Russia. On the other hand, there are national interests of a particular European country. Merkel is located between two polar points of view. She cannot make the final choice, ”Shapovalov believes.
Merkel also urged other countries to coordinate the introduction of new sanctions against Russia, noting that the EU does not benefit from the fact that each country imposes sanctions separately.
According to Shapovalov, in this case we are talking about a call for European, “even more so, Euro-Atlantic solidarity.”
“It is not a secret that a significant part of European politicians opposes a tightening of the sanctions regime, here Italy is in the first place. Merkel as the leader of the largest European country seeks to consolidate the European community and, in fact, sends a signal that Europe should be united across all the spectrum of the most important issues, ”explained the expert.
In his opinion, this is “undisguised pressure on those countries and those political elites who do not want to line up in the same line”.
Earlier, Merkel said that the EU is not interested in breaking off relations with Russia.
She also called on other countries to coordinate the introduction of new sanctions against Russia.