Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, has met with Vladimir Putin, president of the Russian Federation, at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, with the lifting of the trade embargo on European produce among the key issues discussed.
The veto, which commenced after the EU sanctioned Russia due to its intervention in Ukraine in August 2014, has impacted European suppliers significantly. Spain and the Netherlands are among the ones most impacted by this situation.
"I wouldn't allow myself to get carried away by euphoria or try to see everything as a sign for change. […] This can't be done overnight," a Kremlin spokesperson said of the discussions.
However, he added that his country is "sure that only through dialogue, positions can be drawn closer together”.
The European Commission has stated that it will remain firm on its sanctions, and it is planning to extend them for another six months.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Gabriela Guédez. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
