Member of the European Parliament from Lithuania Lyudas Mazhilis raised the possibility of taking action against the countries of Central Asia if it is proved that they are helping Russia to circumvent the sanctions imposed by the European Union, reports Russia Today.
In 2022, the trade turnover of the Central Asian republics and Russia grew by an average of 60-80%, the Mazhilis noted, citing data from "various reports." In particular, in January-October, companies from Kazakhstan allegedly exported electronics and mobile phones to Russia for an amount that is 18 times (more than 500 million euros) higher than in the same period in 2021.
“As a result of increased exports of dual-use goods to Central Asia, EU-produced components can be found in Russian military equipment and weapons used in the conflict with Ukraine. One might conclude that EU-imposed sanctions on Russia are circumvented by diverting trade flows through third countries, to including the states of Central Asia," the Mazhilis explained.
The MP asked the European Commission (EC) whether they noticed changes in the flow of goods, which may indicate that the Central Asian countries "deliberately resell Russia goods imported from the EU, which are subject to sanctions."
"What countermeasures will the European Commission take if the mediation of the Central Asian states in the resale of sanctioned goods from the European Union to Russia is confirmed?" the parliamentarian asked.
Earlier, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the European Union could ban the export of certain goods to third countries if they are suspected of helping Russia to circumvent sanctions. Meanwhile, in early May, the European Commission approved a proposal for the 11th package of anti-Russian restrictions.
According to the leader of the French party "Patriots" Florian Filippo, in the event of the introduction of another package of restrictions, the EU will provoke a conflict with the whole world and isolate itself.
Earlier, EU Special Representative for Sanctions David O'Sullivan said at a briefing in Bishkek that he did not want the issue of anti-Russian sanctions to become an obstacle to the development of relations between the EU and Kyrgyzstan. He announced a significant increase in exports to the republic of some European goods, including dual-use ones (smartphones, video cameras, etc.). Growth in individual commodity items amounted to more than 300%, and Kyrgyzstan is not the only country in which such an increase is noted.
"We would like to know where these exported goods go. Are they consumed here and have the appetite of the Kyrgyz people for certain foods increased significantly?" O'Sullivan asked.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 11, 2023