Russian warships in European ports

27.10.2016

Question for written answer P-008049-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Tomasz Piotr Poręba (ECR)

Since March 2014, in response to the annexation of Crimea and interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine, the EU has been imposing sanctions on Russia, including restrictions on access to EU capital markets, a ban on importing goods from and investing in Crimea and a freeze on the assets of entities which support anti-Ukrainian activities. Despite the EU’s clear reaction and the sanctions being extended, Russia has become involved militarily in the war in Syria.

At the same time, since 2011 EU Member States such as Spain, Malta and Greece have been receiving Russian warships in their ports. In Ceuta alone there have already been more than 50. It should be stressed that Russian warships continue to visit Spanish ports despite the sanctions that are still in force and in the face of aggression by the Russian navy and air force against Nato forces.

1. Is the Commission aware that some Member States are receiving Russian warships?2. Does the Commission intend to intervene in this matter?3. Does the Commission believe that such actions by Member States threaten the solidarity of the European Community?