Dozens of Dutch derogations from sanctions against Russia
28.10.2022
Question for written answer E-003550/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Marco Zanni (ID)
The Dutch website RTL Nieuws has reported that the Dutch Government has issued dozens of derogations from sanctions against Russia, according to reports from the ministries involved.
Since the beginning of the war, the ministries of foreign affairs, economy, finance, infrastructure and education have granted 91 derogations; for example, a Dutch company that still needed to receive a payment is mentioned, along with 34 cases where Russian-flagged ships, despite the EU port ban in force since April 2022, have simply been granted access to Dutch ports.
The Netherlands has an advantageous position as a European reference market for gas and, at the same time, as an influential commercial player, which enabled the country to achieve a record increase in its trade surplus in the first half of 2022.
What is more, in recent months, the Dutch Prime Minister has taken a narrow outlook in the Council on a host of initiatives that have an impact on the exponential price increases.
In the light of the above and given that the Commission is responsible for the uniform application of sanctions:
- 1.Can it provide more details about the derogations requested by the Dutch Government and their economic impact?
- 2.In the Commission’s view, are those exemptions compatible with the spirit of the sanctions packages that have been adopted?
Submitted: 28.10.2022