EC votes to stop Russia strategic partner status, Nord Stream-2

BRUSSELS, Mar 12 (PRIME) -- The European Parliament voted for cancellation of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline construction and for stopping considering Russia a strategic partner on Tuesday.

Nord Stream-2 strengthens E.C. dependence on Russian gas, threatens the E.U. internal market and fails to meet the E.C. energy policies or its strategic interests calling for its cessation, the document said.

The document envisages the possibility of extension of a blacklist of Russians and restricting Russia’s access to financing and technologies.

The resolution also calls on the European Commission to work out legislative proposals for an E.C.-wide Magnitsky law, which would ensure visa prohibitions and individual sanctions like blocking real estate and property interests in the E.C. jurisdiction for some people.

Russia cannot be considered a strategic partner any more under the current circumstances and, since partnership and cooperation principles under the agreement are not met any more, the agreement should be revised, it said.

However, the document said that the E.C. is still open for strengthening relations and dialogue with Russia and would want to return to partnership, when the country meets its legal and international obligations.

The current difference of opinion and confrontation between the E.C. and Russia do not meet the interests of any side; communication channels should stay open despite the disappointing results; the new division of the continent endangers E.C. and Russia, the resolution said.

The resolution was submitted for vote by Latvian member of the European Parliament Sandra Kalniete in March.

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