The EU�s 27 heads of government have signed off on conclusions calling on Russia to de-escalate tensions caused by the military build-up along its border with Ukraine and aggressive rhetoric. Moscow denies it intends to invade its neighbor but that appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

Less than 24 hours prior to this summit the same topic was debated in the European Parliament. One lawmaker said the EU desperately needs Russia if it wants to keep benefiting from an abundance of cheap natural gas imports. The point was made that if Russia is left alone it will leave others alone.

Legislator, Nicolas Bay, went on to call for sincere dialogue with Moscow.

Some EU leaders would like a new gas pipeline between Russia and Germany to be scrapped in order to put pressure on Vladimir Putin. Olaf Scholz, Germany�s new Chancellor, ruled this out at the summit. He said it�s a private project. Analysts claim NATO�s activities close to Russia�s borders have fuelled tensions.

Security experts say the EU�s main leaders are only willing to talk about new sanctions against Russia because they know a military option against the superpower is simply out of the question.