Following Russia’s decision to place the assets of several European companies under mandatory state control within Russian territory, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) has warned of potential consequences. Speaking at the sidelines of the EU Council summit in Brussels on Friday, the Chancellor told the dts Nachrichtenagentur that they are closely examining the situation. Merz noted that such interventions have been observed repeatedly in recent months.
He delivered a firm message to Moscow, stating that Russia must understand that the West will not leave such actions unanswered. During the EU Council meeting on Friday afternoon, the continued issuance of visas to Russian citizens seeking entry into the European Union was itself discussed. Merz suggested that there is still scope to restrict both tourism and business travel to the EU. “If Russia wants answers, then we will give them,” Merz concluded.
The knowledge that Russia had ordered temporary state management for multiple European companies emerged during the summit in Brussels. According to a decree issued by President Vladimir Putin, the measures also affect the German packaging manufacturer Menshen in Sauerland. When asked by reporters if he took the move personally, the native Sauerlander Merz declined to give a response.
