EU official says it’s not time to ‘normalise’ Russia at G20 finance talks
EU economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis made the remarks as European leaders pushed back against the Russian finance minister's attendance at ongoing talks.
European economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis stated on Tuesday that it is not the right moment to "normalise" Russia's involvement in G20 finance meetings. The former Latvian prime minister criticized Russian finance minister Anton Siluanov's attendance at ongoing talks, asserting that the European position is clear. Dombrovskis' remarks came as G20 finance ministers and central bank governors prepared to continue their second day of discussions, focusing on issues such as economic imbalances and China's excess industrial capacity.
The G20 leaders' meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, is overshadowed by the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, Trump's tariffs, and European leaders' frustration over Siluanov's unexpected presence. Siluanov's appearance at the G20 meeting sparked protests from European leaders, who have sought to isolate Moscow following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The G20 comprises 19 nations plus the EU and the African Union, established to enhance global economic and financial stability after the 1997-1998 Asian financial crisis. With US President Donald Trump holding the G20 presidency, Washington has been attempting to rally partners towards increased economic pressure on Iran and to identify strategies for economic growth.
US officials aim to reach agreement on a final joint communique before the December leaders' summit, but the G20 has struggled to produce significant breakthroughs in recent meetings.
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