EU's multi-purpose policy

Brussels [Belgium], October 23: The EU has just decided to completely ban Russian gas imports from January 1, 2028. Only Hungary and Slovakia opposed this decision. After stopping importing Russian oil and coal from 2022, the new decision will help the EU completely no longer depend on Moscow for energy supplies.
The EU pursues several goals at the same time with this policy. The first and highest goal is to completely eliminate all sources of income for Russia from energy exports. In the EU's calculations, the decline in income from energy exports to the EU will gradually deplete Russia's financial budget used to finance the war in Ukraine with Russia. The chances of Ukraine winning and Russia losing the war will thus increase, or at least force Russia to end the war early.
This goal includes the EU's intention to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. Weakening Russia means helping Ukraine win and establish a leading role in the war in Ukraine. The EU's message of not giving up on Ukraine is also the EU's message to Russia, with the content that the EU is determined to oppose Russia until Russia accepts defeat in Ukraine.
This EU decision also aims to rectify the internal situation. Hungary and Slovakia have the right to veto the bloc's common policy measures on sanctions against Russia, but do not have the same veto power on matters such as trade policy. The EU uses this method to neutralize the opposition and obstruction of Hungary and Slovakia, creating a precedent to sideline these two members when making subsequent decisions.
Another aim of the EU is to avoid being embarrassed by US President Donald Trump. Mr. Trump also pressured the EU to import energy from the US and to punish its partners who import energy from Russia. Only by stopping energy imports from Russia would the EU temporarily satisfy Mr. Trump and avoid being accused by its partners of applying double standards.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper