The European Union is currently focusing its efforts on de-escalating the crisis in Ukraine.

The European Union welcomes commitment of several third countries to align themselves with the March 5 Council’s Decision that imposes the freezing of funds and economic resources of persons identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian State funds and persons responsible for human rights violations in Ukraine.

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso said Tuesday that the European Union “does not and will not recognise the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation.”

Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport said that the arrest of suspected narco boss Darko Saric is “very good and encouraging news” as well as a “sign that the government of Serbia seriously faces problems and challenges” in fight against organised crime.

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued the following statement today:

Brussels, 16 March 2014 – As stated by all 28 EU Heads of State or Government on 6 March 2014, the European Union considers the holding of the referendum on the future status of the territory of Ukraine as contrary to the Ukrainian Constitution and international law.

The European Union Foreign Affairs Council on Monday evaluates situation after the so-called referendum in Crimea, which EU considers illegal and opposite to Ukrainian constitution and international law.

On Monday, European Union decided to impose travel bans and asset freezes on 21 people deemed for violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Štefan Füle expressed his satisfaction at the fact that the citizens of Serbia once again supported the European orientation of government policy in the parliamentary elections held on 16 March, but he also warned that by winning an absolute majority in the Parliament, Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) was entrusted with a great responsibility.