The European Union is the essence of freedom, said Kaia Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, before the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee today. Her statement was in response to criticism of the changes made to the US National Security Strategy, BTA reports.
According to her, the new strategy sends a clear message that Europe needs to be more confident in its own positions. Kallas stressed that criticism of European freedoms should be directed elsewhere - for example, at Russia, where free media and the opposition are banned, and the social network “Ex“ is blocked.
According to her, the number of countries wishing to join the EU is proof of its value. Kallas noted that the closer these countries get to the Union, the more active the efforts to counter them by spreading Russian propaganda become, citing Moldova as an example. She called for increased vigilance and active measures against external interference.
“Attempts are being made to change the rules-based world order, and next year will not be any easier“, Kallas warned. She stressed that the EU must continue its support for Ukraine, develop its defense capabilities and work for stability in the regions surrounding the Union.
The war in Ukraine continues because Russia refuses to end it, she said, stressing the need for additional sanctions against Moscow. She said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's claims that Europe is an obstacle to peace are not true. Kallas added that the end of the war could be accelerated by providing Ukraine with a loan from frozen Russian assets.