News

Russia cuts dairy imports

Citing “quality concerns”, Russia halted imports of dairy products from Lithuania this week. Moscow says they found traces of yeast, fungus and coliform bacteria in the products. Observers say the move was actually an attempt to pressure Lithuania which is hosting a European Union summit next month and is expected to strengthen ties with the EU.

The Russians are also tightening inspections of dairy imports from the Netherlands charging the Dutch are too lax in enforcing veterinary standards. This is the latest in a growing dispute which started with the Russians seizing a Dutch-registered icebreaker belonging to Greenpeace. Adding to the fracas, a Russian diplomat was arrested in the Hague last weekend.