Whilst Europe is finalising the extension of the sanctions against Russia until 2017, president Putin is ramping the pressure on Europe up higher. In a presidential decree he announced the boycott of Western products, including European fruit and vegetables, will be extended to 2018. Officially the boycott, which is a response to the European sanctions, was supposed to run until August 6. This has now been extended until 31 December 2017. The boycott goes for the EU, US, Australia, Canada and Norway and affects the fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat sectors.
source: Kremlin
The pressure on Europe to change the policy is increasing. More and more countries are openly speaking out against the current situation. Among the opponents of the measures are a number of the large economies of Europe, France and Italy. Other opponents are Hungary and Greece. Previous to the grant, Sweden wanted to put the decision to the national parliament but still tacked. Supporters of the sanctions are Germany, Poland and the Baltic states.
The pressure within Europe is being increased further due to branch unions. Not just the fruit and vegetable sector is being hit hard by the boycott, the meat and dairy industries are also suffering under the closed Russian border.
Before the sanctions were extended, Putin opened the door a crack. He emphasised that they could talk about lifting the boycott, but that Europe would have to take the first step to lift the sanctions.
Relationship with Turkey improved
After the Turkish prime minister Erdogan apologised for the incident last year in which a Russian fighter plane was shot out of the air, Putin took steps to improve the relationship. In a phone conversation with Erdogan the Russian president offered his condolences on the attack of the Istanbul airport. During a meeting with the government Putin asked to start the process to 'generally normalise the trade and economic relationship with Turkey."
Before the sanctions were extended, Putin opened the door a crack. He emphasised that they could talk about lifting the boycott, but that Europe would have to take the first step to lift the sanctions.
Relationship with Turkey improved
After the Turkish prime minister Erdogan apologised for the incident last year in which a Russian fighter plane was shot out of the air, Putin took steps to improve the relationship. In a phone conversation with Erdogan the Russian president offered his condolences on the attack of the Istanbul airport. During a meeting with the government Putin asked to start the process to 'generally normalise the trade and economic relationship with Turkey."
"As far as our bilateral relationship is concerned, I want to start with tourism, despite this coming at a time when we see heighten terror activity. Nevertheless, we will lift the sanctions in this area," said president Putin during the meeting. According to Russian media the first tourist will be able to travel to Turkey shortly. Although the measure is favourable for both countries, the boycott of fruit and vegetables stays in place for now.