Russia might ease food import from three EU states after embargo lift

Russia might permit around 20 companies from Hungary, Cyprus and Greece to restart food imports after it lifts its year-long embargo on food products from European Union.

These three countries have made efforts to maintain good ties with Russia while taking part in EU sanctions, and have avoided criticising Russia on its annexation of Crimea, and its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis.

The announcement was made by head of Russian watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor Sergei Dankvert.

Russia had put a ban on the import of meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and milk products from the US, the European Union nations, Norway, Canada and Australia for a year in retaliation for sanctions that the countries had imposed on Russia after the crisis in Ukraine.

While Russia had been accused of providing weaponry and other support to pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine, the country denied the allegations.

The EU Observer reported that Dankvert had said that out of the 20 companies, 15 were from Hungary. He also said that he would like to go ahead with the move, but the issue had become politicised.

Dankvert was quoted by the Russian media as saying: "There’s a lot of talk about the fate of Polish apples in the domestic market. Frankly, Russia might not be against their export.

"The issue should be decided on an individual basis by agreement between the two countries. But at the slightest attempt to make contact with Poland our country is accused of trying to divide European states."

The Russian sanction is reported to expire on 7 August.

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Image: Hungary, Cyprus and Greece had maintained good relations with Russia despite taking part in EU sanctions. Photo: courtesy of zirconicusso/freedigitalphotos.net.