9 April 2024
Priority question for written answer P-001050/2024
to the Commission
Rule 138
Kosma Złotowski (ECR), Anna Fotyga (ECR)
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Mariupol has been an important target for Russian forces and was a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. After over two months of siege, tens of thousands of fatalities and the city’s nearly complete destruction, Mariupol is now under Russian occupation. Currently, the rebuilding of the city is playing a significant role in the Kremlin’s propaganda war.
However, this has not prevented German businesses from working for the Putin regime. Investigative journalists have come across evidence that construction companies Knauf and WKB Systems GmbH are actively helping to rebuild Mariupol[1]. These companies’ logos can be seen on construction equipment and windows installed in new buildings in the photos and recordings obtained. Analysis of the companies’ activity reports also bears this out. WKB System’s main shareholder is Viktor Budarin, a Russian who has not been subjected to EU sanctions to this day[2]. Knauf claims that it is complying with sanctions and that Russian-made products are only reaching the Russian market. In addition, Knauf’s official representative said to the media that the company had built a residential building for the Russian Ministry of Defence.
- 1.Is the Commission aware of the shocking facts relating to the aforementioned German companies’ involvement in rebuilding Mariupol?
- 2.Does the Commission not feel that supporting the Russian economy, including by fulfilling contracts for the Russian Ministry of Defence and profiteering on occupied Ukrainian territory, is a violation of the EU’s sanctions? Does the Commission not therefore agree that this issue requires urgent clarification and action from the German Government?
Submitted:9.4.2024
Answer given by Ms McGuinness on behalf of the European Commission
EN P-001050/2024
(24.5.2024)
The EU has imposed unprecedented restrictive measures (sanctions) in response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to ensure political and economic isolation of the aggressor. The implementation and enforcement of sanctions is the responsibility of Member States, through their national competent authorities. The Commission has dedicated significant efforts to support Member States in their implementation of sanctions and is working closely with them on addressing enforcement issues, including possible violations of EU sanctions.
The Commission is in contact with the relevant national competent authorities regarding the allegations made in the press and raised by the Honourable Members. The Commission continues to support Member States in their efforts to ensure the proper enforcement of EU sanctions.
The EU is ready to support EU businesses that want to divest from Russia and, to that end, has included provisions in the EU’s sanctions regulations to facilitate divestment[1].
[1] See for example Article 12b of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 (OJ L 229 31.7.2014, p. 1).
Source – EU Parliament