Stop the Russian nickel trade via Rotterdam
18.12.2025
Question for written answer E-005006/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tom Berendsen (PPE)
Research by the NRC newspaper shows that several companies in the port of Rotterdam play a key role in the export of Russian nickel to Europe and beyond.[1] The proceeds from this trade contribute to the financing of the war against Ukraine.
Due to its importance to the Russian war economy, the US and the UK announced an import ban on Russian nickel last year. They also placed the owner of a company on the sanctions list. This had major consequences, as the company mainly sells its nickel abroad. Nevertheless, that company remained financially stable thanks to trade with the EU, which benefits the Russian arms industry.
To date, the EU has not imposed any sanctions in this area. As a result, a ship carrying nickel from Murmansk can dock every month in Waalhaven (Rotterdam), which now serves as a hub for the nickel trade between Russia and China. Approximately one third of total production arrives in Europe, half of which is transported on to China. Due to the lack of EU sanctions, no authorisation is required for this.
The CDA finds this unacceptable. The following questions arise in this regard:
- 1.Is the Commission aware of this practice?
- 2.Is the Commission prepared to take immediate steps to put a stop to this practice?
- 3.If so, what measures will the Commission propose, and when can we expect any such proposals?
Submitted: 18.12.2025
- [1] https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2025/12/17/hoe-de-nikkelhandel-via-rotterdam-poetins-oorlogskas-vult-en-china-aan-kritieke-metalen-helpt-a4914939