Russia–European Union relations

Germany said yesterday it would raise the alert level under its emergency gas plan to secure supply following the recent reduction of pipeline supplies from Russia.

Russia has summoned the European Union's ambassador today in open anger at the suspension on Saturday of the transit of sanctioned goods through Lithuania to the Russian Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad, world news agencies reported.

Russia called the measure an "illegal blockade" and threatened retaliation against Lithuania, Reuters reported.

Over 70% of people surveyed in the EU agree with the imposition of economic sanctions on Russia, with two-thirds feeling that more stringent sanctions should be imposed. Support for economic sanctions is particularly high in Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, Romania, Poland and Ireland.

The Russian government has authorized the temporary lifting of "mirror sanctions" and allowed for 90 days the flow of natural gas supplies from Yamal LNG to Gazprom Marketing & Trading Singapore Ltd, which is part of Gazprom Germany, shows a government decree on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

The European Union and Russia have been in a standoff over gas supplies

The European Union will launch a total economic war against Russia. This was stated by the Minister of Finance of France Bruno Le Maire in an interview with France Info radio.

"We will launch a total economic and financial war against Russia," the minister said. "The Russian people will bear the consequences."

European leaders adopted a package of sanctions against Russia in 5 key areas - financial, energy, transport, export controls, a ban on financial exports and visa policy. This was said after the meeting, which lasted until late at night, said the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Russia is ready to resume cooperation with the European Union is it demonstrates reciprocal interest, the Kremlin press service quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin as saying during videoconference talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday.

Bulgaria participated in the sitting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council that took place here on Tuesday. This country was represented by Ambassador Dimiter Tzantchev, Bulgaria's permanent representative to the EU.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu appreciated on Tuesday that the way the visit of the head of the EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell was organised, the way the press conference following the talks in Moscow was organised and the expelling of European diplomats that have taken place, all these show that Russia is rather "engaged in confrontational stance" with the EU rather than one of openne