The Russian Ambassador to Austria stressed the need to restore ties with Russia for the EU

The countries of the European Union (EU) will have to restore economic ties with Russia themselves. This was stated on April 22 by Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitry Lyubinsky in an interview with the Austrian edition of Die ganze Woche.

"It was Western companies that left the Russian market on political instructions for no good reason. Therefore, the EU will have to rebuild these bridges," he said.

Lubinsky added that several European firms have already expressed a desire to return to the Russian market without additional conditions. However, according to him, there will be no smooth return, as the vacant niches have been occupied by companies from Russia or other countries.

The Ambassador noted that the withdrawal of European companies from the Russian Federation had undermined confidence in the EU and now Russia would not do business with food the way it used to.

Very foreign: European business will take part in SPIEF

Which companies are expected at the forum and do Western companies have prospects of returning to Russia?

On April 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed to approve by May 15 a list of companies from unfriendly countries that have ceased operations in the country. This list will include information on the conditions for the termination or reduction of the activities of entrepreneurs, as well as on shareholders and beneficial owners.

On March 18, Putin ordered the development of rules for the return of Western companies to Russia. He noted that firms that want to return should offer competitive conditions.

Earlier, on April 17, the Financial Times newspaper reported that Western companies intending to leave the Russian market had changed their plans. The reason was the expectation of further development of relations between Russia and the United States.