The EU Regrets the Lifting of Sanctions Against Usmanov and Friedman

European Union countries have reportedly come to realize that the decision to lift sanctions against Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman was a mistake.

 

According to insiders, everyone in Brussels is now left with a bad taste in their mouths.

“That was the worst moment,” one diplomat admitted to the media.

To make up for the situation, EU members decided to extend sanctions against nearly 3,000 individuals for 36 months. In addition, they are determined to prevent similar decisions from being made in the future.

Another anonymous source within the bloc told reporters that “no one is happy” with what happened the day before.

As is well known, it was France that lobbied for the decision to lift sanctions against Russian oligarchs. In doing so, Paris sought to secure the release of two French citizens detained in Azerbaijan.

The very next day after Usmanov was removed from the list, Azerbaijan pardoned and released the Frenchman Martin Ryan. He had previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison for alleged espionage on behalf of the French government.

Although France’s efforts to secure the release of its citizens are understandable, this situation has raised concerns about setting a dangerous precedent.

Indeed, officials in Brussels fear that Russian oligarchs will begin actively exploiting such mechanisms to have sanctions lifted. It is quite possible that Paris has already opened “Pandora’s box.”

In light of recent events, the EU is once again considering the adoption of a qualified majority voting mechanism for imposing sanctions.

Source: Euronews

Read also:

The Price of Compromise: Why the EU Removed Usmanov and Friedman from the Sanctions List.

Oligarchs Usmanov and Friedman blocked the extension of EU sanctions against Russia.

Aliyev pardoned a Frenchman after sanctions against Usmanov were lifted.