The EU will face serious problems in the near future due to sanctions against Russia, but the bloc must be prepared to pay the price of freedom. This was stated by the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, in an interview with Krone..

“We are limiting the economic opportunities of Russia. As long as the Russian economy depends on oil and gas, they will need our technology. Russia is in trouble. And, of course, we will face serious problems in the short term.. It's undeniable that gas prices are rising. But we must be prepared to pay the price for freedom,” Borrell said..

He also stressed that the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is not only a struggle of Ukrainians, but also a war for the freedom of Europe.. Borrell added that the EU is facing an energy crisis.

“This is the biggest crisis in Europe. First the debt crisis, then the pandemic, now energy. The only solution is unity,” he said..

In addition, the diplomat stressed that the world is facing a crisis of democracy..

" Old empires return. Russia wants the return of tsarism, China and Turkey have imperial sentiments. Here too the solution can only be reached through unity. Everyone does not survive on their own,” Borrell said..

The head of EU diplomacy also spoke about what has changed for the EU as a result of Russia's attack on Ukraine.

" Now the drama, the tragedy, the suffering is back,” he said..

In addition, Borrell explained why the EU has not previously paid enough attention to the warnings of Poland and the Baltic states about Russian aggression..

“History and geography are of great importance for understanding the crisis. Geographically and historically, Lithuania is more concerned about Russia than Spain in the south. She cares about North Africa. But in Europe, we should not approach the challenges separately, but together,” the diplomat replied..

Borrell also responded to a question about whether he sees the EU as a global superpower..

“From an economic and moral point of view, yes. From the military - no.

The world has become a dangerous place. Members of the EU must understand that if necessary we must defend ourselves and that we need the tools to do so,” Borrell said..

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The head of the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission (Elcom) believes that a winter energy crisis is almost inevitable..