The EU is working on a package of aid measures for Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. The package is to be presented at a meeting in May in Riga. Within the EU, it's feared that Russia will also get involved in the political situation in other Eastern European countries. During an LTO Noord meeting, Mark Rutte reported that the cabinet doesn't have any extras to soften the consequences of the boycott. The Kremlin says it won't change its foreign policy under pressure from the sanctions. Incidentally, Putin lowered the salaries of a number of senior officials and ministers by 10%. Georgia reached an agreement with Russia about the export of leafy vegetables, and Poland is exporting more fruit juice to Russia. In Russia, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are combining several production locations, because of the economic situation in the country, reports say.
EU working on aid plan for Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova
The European Union is working on a package of support measures for Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. The package is to be presented at the Eastern Partnership Summit. The conference is planned for May in Riga. This was announced by the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs. "From our point of view, we can work on a package for the three countries that have signed an association agreement," the minister says. Prior to the meeting in Riga, at Georgia's request the three countries will meet to discuss their expectations. Within the EU, it's feared that Russia will not stop at involvement in Ukraine. Countries including Moldova, with the separated, pro-Russian region of Transnistria, is worrying the European politicians. This way, the political power game that the EU and Russia are playing, appears to be gaining a new dimension.
No extra compensation for boycott
On Saturday, at an LTO Noord meeting, Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte announced that the cabinet doesn't have any extras on hand for farmers and growers that have been affected by the Russian boycott. The prime minister defended support for the sanctions, to which Russia responded with a boycott. He also pointed to the measures taken by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. "Nevertheless, the boycott is hurting entrepreneurs. And we cannot solve those negative consequences just like that," Mark Rutte said.
Russia will not change foreign policy
The Kremlin will not change its foreign policy, not even under the influence of the economic sanctions. The Kremlin responded to president Obama's announcement last week, to keep the sanctions against Russia in force for another year.
Incidentally, last week president Putin lowered the wages of a number of senior officials by 10%. Prime minister Medvedev, Foreign Affairs Minister Lavrov, Defence Minister Shoigu and others will see their salaries decreased by 10% from this month until the end of the year. The measure can be extended into 2016, and was taken due to the difficult economic situation in Russia.
Georgia starts exporting leafy vegetables
Russia and Georgia have reached an agreement on the export of Georgian leafy vegetables. The Georgian authorities confirm that a deal has been made, and all formalities completed. They are waiting for a reaction from Russia. The Russian phytosanitary service will visit Georgia for an inspection tour.
Georgia starts exporting leafy vegetables
Russia and Georgia have reached an agreement on the export of Georgian leafy vegetables. The Georgian authorities confirm that a deal has been made, and all formalities completed. They are waiting for a reaction from Russia. The Russian phytosanitary service will visit Georgia for an inspection tour.
PepsiCo and Coca-Cola move production in Russia
Soft drink giants PepsiCo and Coca-Cola announced they would halt production in Russia, due to the economic crisis in the country. PepsiCo is the largest soft drink producer in Russia, and says it will close a fruit juice factory in the Moscow region. The factory has more than 10 production lines, employing 400. The production is concentrated around another factory south-east of Moscow. Coca-Cola Hellenic, bottler for the soft drink brand, has already closed the factory in Nizhny Novgorod. This production will also be moved to other locations. Earlier, the company closed locations near Moscow and Novosibirsk.
Record export potatoes Ukraine
Last year, the Ukrainian potato export amounted to a record 40,000 tonnes. The biggest part of this export went to Russia through Crimea or Belarus. Georgia and Azerbaijan also bought more Ukrainian potatoes, Fruit-Inform reports.
Poland sets sights on juice export
Manufacturers from Poland are setting their sights on the export of juice to Russia. The boycott doesn't apply to juice, and Russia turns out to be a big market. The weak rouble is advantageous to the Poles, which means the Polish juice will have a competitive advantage over the more expensive Dutch or German juices. According to Fruit-Inform data, Poland exported 13,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetable juices to Russia between July and November 2014. This means Poland was the third biggest exporter, behind China and the Netherlands. A year before, Poland took fifth place.