- Moscow Criticises EU Energy Restrictions, Citing Rising Costs for Industries and Households
MOSCOW: Europe has suffered significant economic setbacks as a result of its decision to restrict Russian gas supplies, with rising energy costs placing increasing pressure on businesses, industries and households, a senior Russian diplomat has said.
Dmitry Birichevsky, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Economic Cooperation, criticised the European Union’s energy policy in an interview with Russia’s state news agency TASS, describing the restrictions on Russian gas as economically unsustainable and counterproductive.
He argued that the restrictions were ultimately harming European economies and consumers, while forcing some businesses to shut down or relocate to other jurisdictions in search of more competitive operating conditions.
“It is clear to us that these measures are entirely untenable. Such self-imposed bans and other restrictions directly hurt those who impose them,” Birichevsky said.
He added that European industries and households were facing substantially higher costs as a consequence of the disruption to established energy supply arrangements.
Referring to remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the eighth summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow, Birichevsky recalled the president’s observation: “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it.”
Moscow Criticises EU Plans for Complete Ban on Russian Gas
The Russian diplomat also criticised the European Union’s initiative to introduce a complete prohibition on imports of Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG), describing it as part of what Moscow considers a politically motivated sanctions strategy aimed at economically isolating Russia.
Birichevsky maintained that European countries had initiated the dismantling of longstanding energy partnerships with Russia, which had developed over several decades, dating back to the Soviet era.
He described these energy ties as mutually beneficial and argued that their disruption had created additional economic challenges for European countries.
Energy Relations Remain a Point of Tension Between Moscow and Brussels
The remarks underscore the continuing differences between Moscow and Brussels over energy security, trade restrictions and the broader economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Russia maintains that restrictions on its energy exports have damaged European competitiveness, while the EU has pursued efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies as part of its broader energy security and sanctions policies.
The debate highlights the strategic importance of energy diversification, affordable supplies and stable international energy partnerships amid continuing geopolitical tensions.
BY: The Times Union – TASS
