Vladimir Putin surprised Italy’s ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlsuconi on his birthday with a “sweet letter” and 20 bottles of vodka. However, the alcoholic gift could still have consequences for Berlusconi – because it violates EU sanctions.
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 against Russia.
As a spokeswoman for the EU Commission confirmed when asked by the German Press Agency, 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 have to 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 about Putin, he again fueled doubts about the determination of the future government in taking action against Moscow.
Silvio Berlusconi is one of Putin’s five best friends
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 again 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 resumed 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 would be applied, the spokeswoman said. As for breaches of the sanctions, these could be reported to the competent national authorities of the Member States or anonymously via the EU Whistleblower tool.
Source: Stern
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