Not sure if I agree with the assessment, having read the article. It just speaks about waivers. Which is something EU countries been doing the whole year. They essentially want to have their cake and eat it too - they legalize deals for gas and all the other stuff they need (i.e. nickel for those precious green energy wind turbines), but offer nothing in return. They will still prohibit Russian citizens from entry, still prohibit import of things we might need (i.e. medicine).
Breaking with EU on sanctions against trade with Russia is a huge development, and it’s not even winter yet. I expect that most European countries will start trying to find common ground with Russia by the time spring rolls around.
I don’t buy it. In the case of Netherlands, they are more likely trying to secure fertilizer shipments. Remember those farmer protests they had? Now imagine that, but if they don’t have fertilizer.
It’s basically just a business deal between two national bourgeoise. It is unlikely it will improve the situation for the commoners either in Netherlands or Russia.
Netherlands trade with Russia actually risen by 32% since war started, their exports to Russia fallen by 52% while imports from Russia risen by 74%. The article i linked is pretty interesting. NYT, basically official press of USA regime, is openly stating the sanctions fell flat on face.
Don’t suppose anyone has an unpaywalled version of the article?
their exports to Russia fallen by 52% while imports from Russia risen by 74%
That’s kind of what I mean, yes? They’re importing quite a lot, presumably in exchange for currency - as suggested by the falling exports. And what happens to said currency? It cannot be spent (due to sanctions and other factors). It just gets stashed away to keep the ruble value artificially low. And then gets burned away or locked out.
Like 3/4th of the world still accepts western money from Russia.
That’s precisely the point, countries in Europe need commodities from Russia. For Netherlands it’s fertilizer, for others it’s steel, aluminum, gas, oil, and so on. Europe needs Russia to function. People are starting to figure this out. There are anti NATO protests happening in a bunch of countries as we speak.
Europe needs Russia to function
Not quite
countries in Europe need commodities from Russia.
This is more correct. But the two ideas are not necessarily tied
Sure. But what this means is that Europe must go its own way to maintain what sovereignty it has. It can’t just go along with the US unless there is a clear and quick path towards regime change in Russia. Right now, it is easy to say they don’t need Russia to function because it isn’t quite winter. The protests will probably increase. Every second that passes the two ideas become more closely tied. I’m not sure that individual European nations will quickly begin to betray western civilization, but something has to give. Europe will either be the property of US capital, will plunge into unhinged fascist violence, or it will give in to the Eurasia’s drift towards interconnectivity. We may see some nations chose one path while others chose another, causing a powder keg situation in Europe yet again.
They’re more tied than you might expect. People in Europe have become accustomed to a certain standard of living. They’re seeing their living conditions collapsing right now because of the trade war with Russia. This affects every aspect of life.
For example, cheap Russian energy was the basis for European industry. Without it, companies are already starting to move production to places like China. This means factories are closing and people are losing their jobs. Since goods are no longer produced locally, they have to be imported at higher prices. Bills for stuff like heating and gas are going up, and so on.
As the living conditions continue to deteriorate people are starting to riot and protest which leads to society being unable to function.
People in Europe have become accustomed to a certain standard of living. They’re seeing their living conditions collapsing right now because of the trade war with Russia.
I am a person in Europe. Sure, there has been some price inflation. But seeing our “living conditions collapsing” sounds like a stretch.
I’m also a European. Inflation and energy prices where I’m at are actually stupendous. There’s currently mass movements in place to simply boycott paying energy bills its gotten so bad.
I’m a person in Europe, in a country that has been described as “The richest country in the world”. I’d absolutely say my standards of living have collapsed, in large part due to the prices of electricity.
I would not be surprised if there were demonstrations or riots during the winter, although I don’t expect it.
It hasn’t been that long yet, and inflation is already in double digits across Europe with no signs of stopping. While you personally might not be affected, I imagine this is a big problem for a lot of people as evidenced by all the protests. And the real effects of all this will likely be felt in spring when current energy reserves are projected to run out.
The key is that they’re withdrawing these sanctions without EU giving the OK for doing so. These are also not just a few items, it’s 91 waivers. This is significant.
I used to be jelly of the dutch for a specific reason. Now I’m jelly of the dutch for two specific reasons.
If Europe in general keeps up the blockade, I have to change my name to ColdColdman because Norway is selling all the resources to Europe while we freeze. Reading about how much money the state makes doesn’t warm the heart.
I hope, for the sake of the poor and cold - You know, those who tend to FREEZE TO DEATH IN THEIR OWN HOMES IN THE “FIRST” WORLD - that more European nations make decisions that is in the interest of the people and not the non-Russian gas companies.
Skjelett Ansikt, leder i Equinor, sier det er riktig andel av befolkningen som fryser i sitt egent hjem og ingen grunn til bekymring.
Yeah, the sooner this insanity ends the better off everyone will be.
Makes me think we might be seeing a rather hurried change of government in the Netherlands quite soon if they don’t quickly return to doing the US’ bidding.
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