US and EU to jointly respond to Russian aggression against Ukraine and Georgia
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Friday, March 26
Leaders of the European Union and the United States once again showed their support towards Georgia and Ukraine.
On March 24, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security and Vice President of the European Commission Josep Borrell and the Secretary of State of the United States Antony Blinken met in Brussels to discuss ways to strengthen the EU-US relations.
At the meeting, the sides discussed foreign policy and security, among other issues. They noted that the United States and the European Union are determined to keep addressing Russia's behavior. As the joint statement reads, this includes ongoing aggression against Ukraine and Georgia, hybrid threats, including disinformation, and many others. The sides also noted that they would continue close cooperation to encourage comprehensive reforms in the EU Eastern neighborhood, including South Caucasus countries.
At the meeting with the US Secretary of State and High Representative for Security Policy, the parties noted that they are ready to cooperate with Russia upon mutual interests. Representatives of the European Union and the United States also called on Russia to refrain from confrontation.
“Both sides decided to coordinate their response to the shrinking space in Russia for independent political voices, civil society, and media freedom and the dwindling respect for human rights and the rule of law,” read the statement.
The joint statement, issued after the meeting, underscored the strong interest in a stable and prosperous Western Balkans region. They once again reaffirmed their commitment to work together to support reconciliation and improve governance, build resilience and push forward key reforms for their integration in the EU.
They also showed their support towards the continuation of NATO-EU cooperation. Borrell and Blinken agreed that NATO and the EU need new ways of working together and a new level of ambition.
The EU and the US have shown their support to both Georgia and Ukraine many times . In 2008, Russia and Georgia fought a war that resulted in the occupation of part of Georgia by Russia. In 2014, Russia occupied Crimea.
