Sanctions policy has gone south

“If we look back on the history of sanctions policies, then we can see that such measures have never actually achieved the desired results,” said economist Imre Boros. Brussels is forcing a course that has surpassed the boundaries of reality as Europe is weakening itself.

FRANCE-EU-PARLIAMENT Fotó: FREDERICK FLORIN

If we look at the recent past, 2014 is a notable example (when the Russians invaded Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula). The Western embargo measures that followed were met by Russian retaliation: in the summer that followed, President Vladimir Putin ordered a ban on European and American food imports. Consequently, European producers lost billions of euros while Russia grew into an exporter in the agri-food industry. 

“Now and back then, the sanctions led to a significantly higher cost of living. Everyone in Europe has seen that energy prices have skyrocketed and the negative consequences of this are visible in several areas. Russia on the other hand, has made serious material gains and is not isolated as its relations with Asian countries have become even stronger,” pointed out the economist.

Given all of this, the question arises: why are Brussels and the other Member States forcing sanctions that cause the greatest damage to Europeans?

According to Imre Boros, the politicians in question are trying to show the public that they are trying to act against Russia and in defense of Ukraine in every possible way. This all goes beyond the boundaries of reality and weakens Europe itself.

“More and more people believe that we are moving in the wrong direction, they are protesting against these policies. It is sad that not one word regarding peace is uttered in Brussels, instead, the armed support of Ukraine leads to a prolonged war,” added the economist. 

Photo: Ursula von der Leyen (Europress/AFP)