Since the start of the Ukraine crisis European governments have been more reluctant than the US to impose sanctions on Russia for fear of antagonising an important neighbour. When EU foreign ministers meet today in the aftermath of the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, they need to ask what the bloc’s reticent approach has achieved.
The EU has found it hard to muster a robust response to Vladimir Putin’s aggression in Ukraine because of the risk to Europe’s energy and commercial interests. Germany and Italy are reliant on Russia for oil and gas and do not want supplies cut. France has a €1.2bn contract for the sale of Mistral ships to the Russian navy which it does not want to lose. Britain fears the impact that a boycott of Russia might have on the City of London.
The tragedy of MH17 must now prompt a tougher approach on sanctions by Europe’s leaders, even if there are costs for EU companies. In recent weeks the bloc has given the impression that it is turning a blind eye to Mr Putin’s incursion in Ukraine, even entertaining the idea of appointing Italy’s pro-Russian foreign minister as its top diplomat. After the deaths of more than 200 Europeans in the disaster, such indifference has to end.