Ahead of this week’s meeting of the European Council, Renew Europe repeated its call for a full EU embargo on Russian energy imports, in line with a resolution recently adopted by the European Parliament. The Group condemns the Hungarian Government's efforts to water down the European Commission proposal for a ban on oil imports. To prevent a global food security crisis, Renew Europe calls for an international diplomatic effort to end Russia's blockade of the Black Sea and restore the economic sovereignty of Ukraine.

EU leaders should redouble efforts to advance common European defence capabilities and the move away from fossil fuel dependence by accelerating the green transition.

Stéphane Séjourné, President of Renew Europe, said:

"Europe's reaction to the invasion of Ukraine has shown that we are strongest when we are united. We must deliver stronger sanctions against Russia, invest in the green transition and ensure our energy sovereignty. Mr. Orbán's weaponisation of his veto shows again why we need institutional reform, so our Union is capable to act more efficiently in the uncertain world we see before us."

Commenting on the risks of a global food crisis, he added:

“Ukraine’s economic sovereignty must be restored to avoid global food shortages; we call on Russia to reopen access to the Black Sea unconditionally. It’s time for the international community to speak with one voice on food security, as we face a global challenge that will hit the most vulnerable disproportionately. We welcome steps by the European Commission to assist Ukraine’s efforts to export agricultural goods.”

Séjourné concluded with remarks on common defence:  "A Europe that protects is a Europe that invests in the common security of its citizens. It is time to move from words to actions. We need a major step forward on European defence."

Today, #RenewEurope leaders met ahead of the #EUCO on the 🇪🇺 response to the war in Ukraine.

📽️@steph_sejourne: "We support the European sanctions, support an economic response to the crisis, and also support the Ukrainian people in this war.#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/tGkXzJTjWB

— Renew Europe (@RenewEurope) May 30, 2022