Sanctions against Russia impact EU too: Martin Schulz

The enforcement of European sanctions on the Moscow authorities impact not only Russia but also the European Union (EU), said European Parliament President Martin Schultz here Saturday.

Schulz, the candidate of the European Socialists for the presidency of the future European Commission, speaking in an interview with official Agerpres news agency, declared himself in favour of the enforcement of European sanctions on Russia "if necessary", but also expressed his desire for the governments "to tell their citizens that sanctions also have an impact on us, and not just on the Russians," Xinhua reported.

"I did not criticise or refuse sanctions, quite the contrary. I am in favour of sanctions, if necessary," said the European official, stressing that "before we decide to adopt tough sanctions, let's try to find a way for diplomatic solutions."

"There is still room for diplomatic activities. If we exhaust diplomatic activities, if holding talks, if having a dialogue prove useless, then we must decide on sanctions."

Martin Schulz was in Bucharest to participate in a ceremony where the candidates to the European Parliament of the Social Democratic Party - National Union for Romania's Progress - Conservative Party electoral alliance were unveiled. The three parties, together with the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania, form the current ruling coalition.