EU to Access Russia’s New Law On Economic Measures To Protect The Country

by Benson Agoha

The European Commission has expressed regret over retaliatory measures announced by Russia yesterday, saying it had political motivation.

 

An official statement from EC spokesman in Brussels said the EU regrets Russia’s measures designed to target imports of food and agricultural products from countries that recently slammed sanction against it because of Ukraine.

 

Today's statement comes on the heel of Russia's announcement, yesterday, that it was imposing a one year ban on certain agricultural produce, foods and raw materials from countries that have sanctioned it.

According to Russia's RT News, a law on economic measures to protect the country had been signed by President Putin. It became effective immediately, but was not seen as final.

"While the law comes into force immediately, the government has been tasked to come up with a concrete list of imports to be banned." RT said, quoting sources from the Kremlin.

“This announcement is clearly politically motivated. The Commission will assess the measures in question as soon as we have more information as to their full content and extent,” the statement said, adding “We underline that the European Union's restrictive measures are directly linked with the illegal annexation of Crimea and destabilisation of Ukraine.”

The statement said the European Union remained committed to de-escalating the situation in Ukraine and that “all should join in this effort.”

 

But added “Following full assessment by the Commission of the Russian Federation's measures, we reserve the right to take action as appropriate.”

See also..Russia Retaliates Against The West.