The vodka birthday gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Italy’s ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi appears to violate the European Union’s sanctions once morest Russia.
As a spokeswoman for the EU Commission confirmed when asked by dpa, it was decided in April 2022 to extend the import ban on goods from Russia to the EU to include spirits including vodka. The corresponding legal basis does not provide for an exception for gifts. The member states are responsible for implementing the EU sanctions.
Authorities in Italy must determine who is responsible for the alleged breach of sanctions. Berlusconi said Putin sent him 20 bottles of vodka for his birthday. With his statements regarding Putin published on Tuesday evening, he once more fueled doubts regarding the determination of the future government in taking action once morest Moscow.
Berlusconi back in touch with Putin
In a recording of a secretly taped speech by Berlusconi, the politician, who turned 86 on September 29, said that he had been in contact with the Kremlin boss once more and that he had described him as one of his five best friends.
In the audio recording, the former prime minister, whose Forza Italia wants to form the future government as a small partner in a right-wing coalition, said: “I’ve reopened relations with President Putin a bit, a bit much, so he sent me 20 bottles of vodka for my birthday and a very sweet letter.”
The European Commission does not examine individual cases of how sanctions are applied, the spokeswoman said. As for violations of the sanctions, these might be reported to the competent national authorities of the member states or anonymously via the EU whistleblower tool.
