Merkel slams Russia over “standing in the way” of Eastern Europe

The German Chancellor has accused Russia of standing in the way of Eastern European countries wanting to be close to the EU.

In an interview with Die Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Angela Merkel threatened “consequences” for what she called Moscow’s “violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”

In Merkel’s view, Russia is “creating problems” for Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, who have all signed association agreements with the EU.

The German leader then moved on to criticise fellow EU member-states France and Italy for not having got their public finances in order. She said that the two countries attempts to reduce their deficits were “insufficient.”

Euro News