There are obviously different views in the federal government about how sanctions against Russia can be better enforced. As the “Spiegel” reports, it is primarily about the obligation of companies to report suspected violations of sanctions.
Contrary to usual practice, this so-called »everyone’s duty« was not included in the EU’s sanctions packages. This should now be made up for, for which the Swedish EU Council Presidency is committed.
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) had already called in February for the obligation to report to be included in the next package of sanctions. However, the federal ministries of finance and justice, which are led by liberals, have shown little commitment, according to government circles. According to the report, the push for an obligation for everyone is still being coordinated by the departments.
According to the report, Christian Lindner’s (FDP) Ministry of Finance has declared that it supports the “discussions about changed reporting requirements constructively”. There is also resistance to the introduction of end-use controls for products, as they already exist for war goods.
Manufacturers of trucks, heavy machinery, semiconductors or electronic goods would then have to provide proof that the products exported actually remain in the country in question – and are not exported further, for example to Russia. (tsp)
