The amount of economic losses of the European Union from the sanctions and retaliatory measures imposed by Russia three years ago against Russia have already exceeded € 100 billion.

Such disappointing figures were cited by the head of the Eastern Committee of the German economy Wolfgang Buchele, RIA Novosti reported on Tuesday, January 30. "According to a study by the University of Kiel, the losses from mutual economic sanctions imposed in 2014 now exceed € 100 billion," said Buchele. According to him, Russia accounts for about 60% of losses, at the expense of the European Union - 40%. "Thus, the European economy pays a high price for the conflict, for which politicians are responsible and which can only be resolved through diplomatic means," the German said.. And in connection with today's publication of Washington's "Kremlin list," Buechele categorically opposed possible further restrictive measures against Russia and urged Europe and the United States to agree on this issue more closely. "We reject new economic sanctions. They only lead away from negotiations, intensify the split between the parties and cause anxiety and companies, create unpredictable risks for the economy, "- quotes the representative of the Federal Republic of Germany. He believes that it is necessary to provide for the lifting of restrictions in exchange for "tangible progress in the peace process" in Donbass. According to Buchel, the fact that Washington "does not currently plan new sanctions" is a positive signal. This German said even before later on Tuesday the head of the US Treasury Steven Mnuchin promised that the "Kremlin report" will necessarily be followed by sanctions.

The words of the US minister were quoted on Twitter by New York Times reporter Allan Rapoport. It should be noted that entrepreneurs from Europe feel quite a legitimate concern about the promulgated list. Thus, the document has already been criticized by the Association of European Businesses (AEB). There, "they are convinced that the Kremlin's report" strengthens the state of uncertainty in the Russian business environment and can also affect the interests of European investors, European companies doing business and trade with Russia, "the AEB's statement, cited by Vedomosti,.

Members of the association urged the authorities of the EU, the US and Russia "to refrain from actions that could adversely affect economic cooperation in the future and find a common, mutually acceptable solution to political disputes in the spirit of peace and harmony". Recall that in the "Kremlin list" 210 citizens of Russia - all federal ministers and the head of government, the administration of the presidential administration, the heads of state companies and Russian billionaires.