“In Russia-occupied Ukraine, the Kremlin’s army is confiscating grain stocks and machines,” said von der Leyen on Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “This reminds some of a dark past – the times of Soviet confiscation of crops and devastating famine of the 1930s.”
Moscow is not only using the energy supply as a weapon, a similar pattern is emerging with regard to food security. Russia is deliberately bombing grain stores in Ukraine and blockading Ukrainian ships carrying wheat and sunflower seeds in the Black Sea. In addition, Russia is hoarding its own food “as a form of blackmail.” Deliveries have been halted to push up world prices and wheat is being traded against geopolitical support. “There is only one thought behind it: Russia uses hunger and grain to exercise power,” said von der Leyen.
As a result, wheat prices shot up worldwide. Vulnerable countries and vulnerable populations are most affected. For example, bread prices in Lebanon have risen by 70 percent. “The signs of a growing food crisis are clearly visible.”
The answer must be European and global, said von der Leyen at the event in the Swiss Alps. Europe is working on getting the blocked grain from Ukraine onto the market. In addition, the company’s own production will be increased. And Africa will be supported in reducing its dependency on imports. Together with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, they are working on cushioning the effects of the war with an event on food security.
Von der Leyen emphasized: “It’s time to put an end to negative dependencies. It’s time to create new connections. It’s time to replace old chains with new bonds.”
After the EU Commission President, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is also scheduled to give a speech on Tuesday on the second day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Austria will be represented at the meeting in the Swiss Alps by Finance Minister Magnus Brunner and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (both ÖVP). Among other things, Brunner will meet the Director General of the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Schallenberg will meet with ICRC President Peter Maurer on Tuesday, among others. On Wednesday he will take part in a high-level panel with the heads of government of the Western Balkans. Bilateral talks with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba are also planned. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) canceled his participation on Monday at short notice.
At the four-day meeting, almost 2,500 participants from politics, business and society will discuss solutions to international problems. The theme of this year’s conference is “History at a Turning Point: Government Policy and Business Strategies”. The focus is on several global crises with the Ukraine war, the corona pandemic and climate change. The opening speech on Monday was given by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Source: Nachrichten
