“The European Union does not recognize Crimea as a part of Russia,” the official statement of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, says.

In the statement it is noted that the EU will continue to adhere to the policy of non-recognition, including through restrictive measures. According to Mogherini, “the EU condemns the violation of international law, which has serious implications for international law and order”.

It is also mentioned in the statement that the EU will continue to call on the UN member states to take similar measures of non-recognition, in accordance with the resolution of the UN General Assembly No. 68/262″.

In the statement Mogherini expressed her concern about the increase of Russian military power and alleged violations of human rights in Crimea. As examples of such violations, Mogherini called limitation of freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, religion and belief, and the persecution of persons belonging to minorities, in particular Crimean Tatars.