Baltic States propose EU ban on metal imports from Russia

The Baltic states, together with the Czech Republic, have proposed that the EU ban imports of ferrous metals, copper, and aluminum waste and scrap from Russia. The Russian government uses the revenues from these imports to finance its war against Ukraine, LRT reported.

The proposal was submitted to the EU Environment Council in Brussels on Monday, March 26.

"Lithuania proposes that the European Commission assess all options at the EU level and submit a proposal to suspend waste imports from Russia to the EU or allow Member States to adopt unilateral restrictive measures. We believe that such imports contribute to financing Russia's war against Ukraine and should be stopped," said Jurga Kasputene, Lithuania's deputy permanent representative to the EU.

According to Lithuania's Environment Ministry, the EU will import more than 118 million euros worth of ferrous metals, copper, and aluminum waste and scrap from Russia between 2022 and 2023. Most of these imports pass through Lithuania.

According to the agency, transboundary waste shipments are regulated by the Basel Convention and the Waste Transportation Regulation, so some Member States cannot unilaterally ban or restrict such imports.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 29/03/2024