Russian crisis will not affect the global economy – Barroso

Former European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso sure collapse of the Russian economy is not threatened Europe. According to him, Russia is not as integrated into the global economy to its cause recession.

He said this in an interview with Die Welt .

According to Barroso, the European Union is the correct policy on sanctions against Russia. “I am proud that the EU unanimously in favor of this issue,” – he said.

This former head of the European Commission is confident that the world should prepare for a protracted crisis with Russia – the parties are unlikely to soon come to a consensus on the Crimea.

In this regard, he noted – the EU must keep open channels with Russia to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine. “It’s important position Angela Merkel, multiplied authority and respect in Germany in the world” – says Barroso.

In addition, former president of the European Commission recalls that Russia has always been aware of negotiations between Ukraine and the EU. “In 2012, Putin has repeatedly told me that he would not hinder EU membership for Ukraine. Although I have always said and Yushchenko and Yanukovych and Tymoshenko and Poroshenko current president – we have not yet matured.”

“Within five years of negotiations (the signing of the Association Agreement – EP), the Russian government received detailed information. Putin was fully informed. But now he says he was surprised and that it does not” – says Barroso.

Barroso said that very upset that Russia loses chance to modernize. “Putin understands that Russia’s influence in the world falls and feels slighted. Once Russia was one of the two superpowers. Today it is not important. One thing is clear – behind Russia is China, which has a much greater economic power. China – a real strength and it becomes stronger, while the Russian economy, which is the basis of oil and gas will be weaker if nothing is done. “

epravda.com.ua