You're reading: EU views extension of Russia’s food embargo as element of protectionism – head of EU delegation

MOSCOW – The Russian government's plans to extend the food embargo against the European Union countries to the end of 2017 is regrettable and shows a trend toward protectionism, Head of the EU Delegation to Russia Vygaudas Usackas said.

“The Russian government’s intention to extend the ban on imports of food products from the European Union to the end of 2017 once again proves the fact that it is not the European Union that has imposed these sanctions [the food embargo],” Usackas said in an interview with Interfax on May 31.

“We regret that the decision on banning imports of food products from the EU to Russia is an element of what we see as a trend toward protectionism. Definitely, such steps call into question our Russian partners’ willingness to promote trade relations through opening markets and free trade, which would serve our citizens’ interests,” he said.

“Russia’s decision to block imports of European goods has reduced the choice for consumers, which has also affected the prices,” he said.