Doorstep by President von der Leyen at the European Political Community Summit

European Commission - Statement Doorstep by President von der Leyen at the European Political Community Summit Tirana, 16 May 2025 It is good to be here again at the EPC. The European Political Community was founded when Russia's war of aggression started. It was meant to shape a European answer and make sure that we have stability on the European continent. It has been three years. During the last days, we could all witness President Putin's true beliefs. He first called for a ceasefire around the 9 May celebrations, which he then never respected. Then Ukraine, with the support of the European Union and the United States, called for a full and unconditional ceasefire of 30 days, which President Putin then rejected. And finally, he proposed a meeting directly between Ukraine and Russia in Türkiye. President Zelenskyy was ready to meet, but President Putin never showed up. This shows that President Putin does not want peace. So we have to increase the pressure. And this is why we are working on a new package of sanctions. This package will for example include sanctions on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2; listing more vessels of the Russian shadow fleet; lowering the oil price cap; and finally more sanctions on the financial sector in Russia. For us it is important to have peace. Therefore, we have to increase the pressure on President Putin until Putin is ready for peace. Press contacts: Paula PINHO (+32 2 29 20815) Arianna PODESTA (+32 2 298 70 24) Stefan DE...