EU at war over Russian sanctions to protect their economies
Mar 18, 2022 4:38:27 GMT -5
Post by Midnight on Mar 18, 2022 4:38:27 GMT -5
EU at war over Russian sanctions: Germany and Italy are among nations trying to block more restrictions to protect their own economies despite pressure from Poland and Baltic states that are right on Putin's doorstep
Germany and Italy among countries in the EU understood to be 'prioritising own economies' over sanctions
It comes as countries on border with Ukraine and Russia, including Poland, are pushing for more restrictions
Internal struggle is ensuing inside the EU between 'three sides' with differing viewpoints, diplomats have said
'Sanctionistas' and 'Contras' disagree over sanctions, with the remaining countries some stuck in middle
By JAMIE PHILLIPS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 08:24 EDT, 17 March 2022 | UPDATED: 09:09 EDT, 17 March 2022
Germany and Italy are among nations trying to block more Russian sanctions in a bid to protect their own economies, despite pressure from Poland and the Baltic states that are right on Putin's doorstep.
The Russian President yesterday claimed Western 'attempts to have global dominance' are coming to an end as he slammed sanctions imposed because the EU 'doesn't want a strong and sovereign Russia'.
But the bloc is now beginning to split into 'three sides' as Germany - with support from Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece - is accused of 'openly putting the brakes on' sanctions amid concern about the impact on its own economy.
It comes as pro-sanction countries, led by Poland and the Baltic states, are pushing for further and stronger restrictions against Russia and key oligarchs.
An internal battle within the EU is now raging between the 'Sanctionistas', countries that are pro-sanctions, and the Contras - countries prioritising their own economies.
One EU diplomat told The Times: 'It’s becoming clearer by the day that three sides are forming: Poland and the Baltic states, known as the Sanctionistas that want more and stronger sanctions; Germany, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria — the Contras — that prioritise their own economic interests; and the rest.'
The EU issued a fourth round of sanctions on Tuesday, but Germany is understood to have subsequently used meetings with at least three other governments to discuss calling a halt to further measures.
Instead, the Contras has suggested the bloc focus on 'closing loopholes' as opposed to imposing any further sanctions.
Continued at link
Germany and Italy among countries in the EU understood to be 'prioritising own economies' over sanctions
It comes as countries on border with Ukraine and Russia, including Poland, are pushing for more restrictions
Internal struggle is ensuing inside the EU between 'three sides' with differing viewpoints, diplomats have said
'Sanctionistas' and 'Contras' disagree over sanctions, with the remaining countries some stuck in middle
By JAMIE PHILLIPS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 08:24 EDT, 17 March 2022 | UPDATED: 09:09 EDT, 17 March 2022
Germany and Italy are among nations trying to block more Russian sanctions in a bid to protect their own economies, despite pressure from Poland and the Baltic states that are right on Putin's doorstep.
The Russian President yesterday claimed Western 'attempts to have global dominance' are coming to an end as he slammed sanctions imposed because the EU 'doesn't want a strong and sovereign Russia'.
But the bloc is now beginning to split into 'three sides' as Germany - with support from Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece - is accused of 'openly putting the brakes on' sanctions amid concern about the impact on its own economy.
It comes as pro-sanction countries, led by Poland and the Baltic states, are pushing for further and stronger restrictions against Russia and key oligarchs.
An internal battle within the EU is now raging between the 'Sanctionistas', countries that are pro-sanctions, and the Contras - countries prioritising their own economies.
One EU diplomat told The Times: 'It’s becoming clearer by the day that three sides are forming: Poland and the Baltic states, known as the Sanctionistas that want more and stronger sanctions; Germany, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria — the Contras — that prioritise their own economic interests; and the rest.'
The EU issued a fourth round of sanctions on Tuesday, but Germany is understood to have subsequently used meetings with at least three other governments to discuss calling a halt to further measures.
Instead, the Contras has suggested the bloc focus on 'closing loopholes' as opposed to imposing any further sanctions.
Continued at link