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EU seeks autonomy but becoming more dependent on US

Saturday, 22 October 2022 3:31 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 22 October 2022 3:31 AM ]

Jerome Hughes

Press TV, Brussels

EU leaders, at a summit in Brussels, agreed China is becoming too assertive. It's the same phrase they have been using for years with respect to Russia. Iran was also in their sights. New restrictive measures against Tehran were rubber-stamped.

Analysts say the allegations against Iran are spurious and they are being vehemently contested. It's pointed out that the bloc sometimes ignores clear international law violations even when there's zero ambiguity. For example, those perpetrated by Israel against Palestinians.

The US is set to have even greater influence over the EU as the bloc moves to try and isolate Moscow and Beijing. It's suggested that has been Washington's plan all along.

Sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine have driven energy costs to unmanageable levels. A complex package has been agreed in principle by EU leaders to try and lower prices and demand.

Leaders admit the energy package is very complex and will take up to three weeks to try and finalize. Will this summit deliver positive results for EU citizens? It is a crucial question for millions of households and businesses but it is also a vital political question for the bloc's leaders. Extreme-left and extreme-right, anti-EU parties are waiting in the wings.

Ignoring massive corruption findings by their own financial watchdog, EU leaders have agreed to provide €18bn to the Ukrainian Government in 2023. But that's nothing compared to what they will spend on lethal weapons for the country's army.

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