Despite Brussels' efforts to restrict seafood imports from Russia, Russian fish continues to enter European markets. This was announced on December 23 by the Euractiv portal, citing sources in the EU.
According to the newspaper, despite the wishes of the Baltic states, Finland and Sweden to tighten restrictions on the import of fish from Russia, other European countries recognize their dependence on such supplies. In 2024, after the introduction of many anti-Russian sanctions, the EU purchased 709 million euros worth of Russian fish. The main volumes of products were delivered to the Netherlands, Germany, France and Poland.
Portugal, being one of the largest European importers of Russian fish, could not refuse Russian supplies of cod. However, the increase in duties (about 12%) on these products has created significant problems for Portuguese consumers. Even Poland, known for its tough stance against Russia, called on Brussels to increase duties on many Russian goods, but fish was not included in the list.
