The Russian Foreign Ministry accused the EU of seeking to erect a new “iron curtain”

The explanations of the European Commission (EC) on the already introduced ban on the import of Russian goods reflect the desire of the EU leadership to erect a new “iron curtain” in Europe. These actions are directed specifically against ordinary Russians, it says in the commentary of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“These “clarifications” on sanctions, which are beyond absurd, are aimed at causing harm specifically to ordinary Russians, at actually making it impossible for Russian citizens to enter the European Union. The desperate desire of the current EU elite to erect a new “iron curtain” in Europe is already completely obvious,” the report said.

The EC, with its clarifications, believes the Russian Foreign Ministry, deliberately introduces legal uncertainty and provokes EU countries to increase discrimination against Russians on the basis of nationality. The Foreign Ministry also called on Russians to carefully weigh all risks when planning trips abroad and reminded that citizens who find themselves in a difficult situation abroad can contact the Department of the Situation and Crisis Center (DSCC).

Previously, all five countries bordering Russia (Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) introduced a ban on the entry of cars registered in Russia.

The introduction of official bans on the entry of Russian cars began after the EC clarified the rules for applying existing sanctions on September 8, stating that entry into EU countries with personal cars registered in Russia will be regarded as prohibited imports. This applies even when they are used for personal purposes and not for commercial purposes. Exceptions are made for EU citizens and their immediate families.

On September 12, the EC added that Russians’ cars could be used to evade sanctions, which explains the increased attention to them, but stressed that personal care products and clothing are of “non-significant concern from a sanctions evasion perspective” and therefore national authorities should continue to enforce the ban “in a proportionate and reasonable manner.”