The sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russian diamonds will hit Belgium harder than the Russian Federation, while Russia is guided by securing its interests while preparing retaliatory measures. In an interview about this RIA News said Artem Studennikov, the first European department director of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
“When making decisions on response measures to unfriendly steps, we are always guided by the tasks of effectively ensuring the national interests of our country and the sustainability of the global diamond industry as a whole,” the diplomat said.
At the same time, the sanctions imposed by the EU hit European countries harder. According to Studennikov, the embargo on Russian precious stones will lead to Belgium losing its status as the world center of the diamond trade, and entrepreneurs are already talking about the loss of a third of trade turnover and the layoffs of thousands of people. In addition, international banks began to review their credit policies in the country.
Ban of G7 countries (USA, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy and Japan) on the import of non-industrial natural diamonds, artificial diamonds and diamond-containing jewelry from the Russian Federation to the European Union entry Valid as of January 1.
Starting from September 1 of this year, EU countries will also stop imports of synthetic diamonds processed in third countries, jewelry made in third countries using Russian diamonds of 0.5 carats or more, and wrist/pocket watches.
Previously at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the name theft is the possible use by the West of the “frozen” assets of the Russian Federation.