Colette Flesch told RTL of her own experience as an evacuee in May 1940 as a small child, adding that the current war in Ukraine brought back images of WWII times.
Millions have fled Ukraine in recent weeks, while those who remain are frequently left without electricity or running water, while fighting for their country - a situation comparable to the Second World War, Flesch said. Her own childhood experience of war meant she has looked back on the post-war recovery in Europe and the birth of the European Union through a very positive lens. She added that she personally had hoped the existence of the EU and NATO would prevent future wars from affecting Europe, so the conflict in Ukraine represented a “bitter awakening”.
Flesch praised the show solidarity towards Ukrainians fleeing their country, both from a government perspective, but also local, as municipalities and residents have gathered to support incoming refugees.
It is difficult to predict an end to the conflict, Flesch said. She was surprised by the strong resistance shown by Ukrainians, but said she could not foresee more involvement on Europe’s part for the moment. Putin however has shown he does not keep his promises, and if NATO is attacked in any way, there would be a response, which could be catastrophic, she added.
According to Flesch, the sanctions against Russia represent a necessary gesture. But she quoted from a book which said that sanctions would usually bring fewer results than expected and one should not have any illusions that Russia will defend itself against sanctions against Europe.
We are already experiencing a hike in energy prices, while the government has also already convened a tripartite agreement ahead of plans. Flesch reckons that these talks will cover indexation, based on her own experience at tripartite meetings in the 80s. Nevertheless, these discussions are, according to Flesch, the right way to find the “best solutions, which are almost always compromises”.
Frugality was also, in Flesch’s eyes, “never bad” but it would be difficult, particularly in a society which has flourished in the post-war years. She warned that further difficulties could be expected in the future.
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