Exports to Russia, Europe pays the bill for the embargo. Obvious consequence of the recent renewal of the absurd sanctions that the US, through its vassals in the EU, imposed on Russia.
The European Council unanimously decided on 6/22/17 to extend a series of economic sanctions against Russia for an additional six months-until 1/31/18. Sanctions affecting the financial, energy and defense sectors. In addition to so-called dual-use technologies.
The Moscow government responded by renewing in turn for one year, until Dec. 31.18, an embargo affecting the export of several categories of European foodstuffs. Such as meats-even processed meats-and seafood products, as well as fruits and vegetables. For the defense of national interests and support of local production in the sectors involved.
Meanwhile, the European Commission has allocated an additional 70 million in aid for fruit growers in the 12 EU countries most affected by the embargo. In a miserable attempt to remedy the disaster caused to the European food supply chain.
Renewal of NATO-imposed sanctions from 2014 seems inescapable, in the absence of developments on the situation east of Ukraine. Although the 2015 Minsk accords are in all evidence unsuitable for unblocking the confrontation between Kiev and the territories with dominant pro-Russian identities. (1)
European politicians seem to have forgotten the crucial historical role of Russia, in the liberation from the Nazi siege. And the current one, in the liberation of Syria from the Islamic State’s cutthroats unfortunately armed by the Atlantic alliance with the contribution of Saudi Arabia and neighbors.
The Italian agribusiness chain meanwhile laments the lack of representation and the absurdity of the sanctions extended against its longtime great ally. According to trade organizations, the renewed cold war has already caused Made in Italy to lose more than 10 billion euros. Following the drastic drop in exports in the European continent’s first economy.
It adds further damage-estimated at more than 1 billion euros-to the reputation of Made in Italy in Russia. Where, faced with the unavailability of authentic Italian products that this market continues to demand, the proliferation of counterfeit goods is inevitable.
As we await new elections, in Italy and Europe, we confidently await the taking of positions congruent with the history and current geopolitical scenario. And of the economic one.
Dario Dongo
Notes
(1) France and Germany are confident of a new negotiation, which would involve them as key players in the so-called ‘Normandy quartet’ alongside the Russian leader and the alleged Ukrainian correspondent. Moreover, the first vis-à-vis between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, scheduled to take place at the G20 in Hamburg on July 7-8, 2017, is expected
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
