After the Russia-Ukraine war, many countries, especially in Europe, decided to impose sanctions to wear down Putin economically, while the Russian leader played his biggest trump card in response and cut off the gas of the West. While this development caused an energy crisis, prices increased considerably. Especially before the winter months, while Europe was thinking about what to do, the first fire was given among the 27 EU member states…
PUTIN PLAYED THE NATURAL GAS trump card
After the war, which started with the attacks of Russia on February 24, 27 European Union countries, the USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand and Japan imposed a series of economic sanctions and embargoes on Russia. In response, Russia closed the gas valve. As a result of China’s stopping of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe, the total amount of natural gas going to Europe decreased by 45 percent.
OUR EU ECONOMY IS IN HARD
After Russia’s critical move, natural gas and electricity prices increased by more than 500 percent across Europe. The average inflation rate of the European Union has exceeded 10 percent. The Russian ruble rebounded and appreciated, while the euro melted against the dollar.
FIRST FIRE IN EU! THE NETHERLANDS WITHDRAW SANCTIONS
Like every country in Europe, the Netherlands came to the brink of the crisis and a flash decision was made. In the days of economic recession in Europe, the Netherlands became the first EU country to withdraw from the sanctions imposed on Russia before the winter months.
HERE ARE THE DECISIONS THAT THE NETHERLANDS MADE
The Dutch state withdrew from 91 sanctions against Russia.
Sanctions on 34 Russian-flagged vessels were lifted and they were allowed to dock in Dutch ports.
Frozen 13 Russian assets were returned.
25 Dutch companies have been granted permission to enter into natural gas and energy deals from Russian gas giant Gazprom.
The sanctions imposed on a total of 150 Russian citizens, companies, municipalities, institutions and educational institutions have been lifted.
Sanctions on a total of 13 non-governmental organizations were lifted and legal permissions were granted in order to “help establish a dialogue between Russia and the EU”.
- A Dutch company was allowed to receive payments from Russian companies and the state, the said sanctions were lifted.
NAMES WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economy stated that the sanctions have been lifted and any Dutch and Russian natural and legal persons who have been granted sanctions exemption will not be disclosed on the grounds that “they have sensitive information and may pose a dangerous situation for the persons in question”.
Dutch sources stated that other steps could be taken to strengthen relations between Russia and the Netherlands in order to get rid of the economic recession.