BRUSSELS – Covid, Ukraine crisis, defense, energy and migrants: these are the main themes of the European Council which is being held today in Brussels
He Covid file
At the center of the debate is the choice of some countries – including Italy – to introduce the mandatory tampon at the entrance even for those who are vaccinated: a choice that is not liked in Brussels which for days has underlined how any restrictions should not compromise the functioning of the single market or hinder travel between EU member states and to Europe. The premier Mario Draghi, a
as reported by the press agencies, he defended the choice, recalling how the Omicron variant is for now less widespread in Italy than in other Member States. “We need to maintain this advantage to protect our National Health System,” said Draghi. “This is the reason behind the decision to have those entering Italy do the tests. Coordination at EU level must be guided by the principle of maximum caution”. Italian sources reported that no country has questioned the choice of tampons, made so far by Italy, Greece, Portugal and Ireland.
Stop disinformation
To respond to the worsening epidemiological situation and the emergence of the Omicron variant, vaccination remains “vital”, the completion of the cycle and the recalls is “essential and urgent”, the fight against disinformation is “crucial”. In addition to all this, the EU strategy on anti-Covid treatments must be “carried forward”, including the possibility of joint procurement of treatments. These are the conclusions on vaccines according to the document anticipated by the news agencies.
The Ukrainian question
For foreign policy, the hottest issue is that of Ukraine and relations with Moscow. The heads of state and government will have to decide whether to launch new sanctions against Russia. “There are sanctions that are in place and can be increased and there are also sanctions that can be added. Our appeal to Russia is for a de-escalation but we are prepared in case of aggression,” the president of the EU Commission said yesterday. Ursula von der Leyen. “If Russia attacks Ukraine’s sovereignty there will be a strong response with a heavy cost”, added the president of the EU Council. Charles Michel.
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