Germany's interests stand in way of sanctions

EU sanctions against Russia 

stumbled on German 

interests

Санкции ЕС против России споткнулись об интересы Германии

In Berlin believe that to lose such an economic partner, as Moscow - a more expensive

Izvestia,

March 7, 2014

At a summit in Brussels on 6 March, the EU has decided not to impose strict economic sanctions against Russia in connection with the Ukrainian question. Term extended EU ultimatum demanded from Moscow to take steps to de-escalate the conflict in the Crimea and threatened otherwise inevitable "punishment" has expired. But the countries - members of the EU could result in an agreement only to freeze dialogue with Russia on a visa-free regime and a new agreement on cooperation.

The main obstacle to promise more pressure on Moscow was tough stance Berlin. Germany, fearing Russian kontrsanktsy unwilling to say goodbye to an important economic partner and its long-standing role of a mediator between the West and Russia. Similar position dissatisfied both Washington and some EU members.

- Adopted soft symbolic actions against anyone in the Kremlin in Moscow did not impress. We demand a complete ban arms exports to Russia - said the Chairman of "green" in the European Parliament Rebecca Harms.

- I personally do not like the idea of ​​sanctions. This is bad not only for Russia but also for the EU and Ukraine. However, Brussels can not stay away - said, "Izvestia", Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament Andrey Kovachev.

Such statements and overall performance for the sanctions - the EU is trying to save his own face, according to the scientific director of the German-Russian Forum Alexander Rahr. This is especially important for MEPs ahead of the May elections to the European Parliament after the apparent diplomatic failure when signing evroassotsiatsii Brussels to Kiev - 100 people were killed, the president on the run.

Against this background, the German position seems its partners calling and too pro-Russian.

- Berlin caught between two fires. On the one hand, the United States and some of its partners to develop common EU demand tougher sanctions against Russia. But on the other - it is impossible to forget about the great relationship between Moscow and Berlin - said Rahr. - A subsequent reaction of the Russian side can be very sensitive for Germany.

Trade turnover between the two countries today reaches € 76,5 billion Today Russia has about six thousand German companies. And according to the executive director of the Eastern Committee of German Economy Professor Rainer Lindner, from trade with Moscow depends about 200 thousand jobs in Germany.

According to Rahr, Russia among others could stop oil and gas supplies to Germany, reorienting, such as China. But about 31% gas and 35% oil are just in Germany from Russia.

It is explained by considerations made earlier warning about the German Foreign Minister had arisen partners ideas exclude Russia from the "Big Eight". Therefore, arrived in Moscow on a visit (March 6-7) Vice-Chancellor of Germany, Economy and Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel - continue economic dialogue, despite hovering in the air the issue of sanctions.

As you can see, Berlin is not willing to give up its long-standing tradition of "Ostpolitik" in which the 1970's, since its ideologue, former Chancellor Willy Brandt, Germany tried to be a bridge between Western and Eastern Europe.

- Germany's position is that the current situation must be solved through dialogue and increase cooperation. In Berlin believe that sanctions will only lead to further escalation of the conflict - said Rahr.

Currently, Germany manages to convince in this part of the partners. In particular, the sanctions act against southern European countries, which have enough problems with finances and s-for the euro crisis.