The Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Josef Sikela, hopes for the Czech Republic to be exempted from sanctions on the import of Russian steel as reported by Ceske Noviny.
Vítkovice Steel, a metallurgical company in Ostrava, seeks to extend exemptions for the import of Russian steel until 2028. The extension is being considered in the context of negotiations on the twelfth package of sanctions against Russia presented by the European Commission.
Sikela emphasized that he hopes, 'sanctions should harm those they are directed against, not those who impose them.'
The twelfth package of sanctions project includes measures against over 120 individuals for their role in events around Ukraine.
The Czech company Vítkovice Steel is requesting an extension of the exemption from sanctions for the import of Russian steel until 2028 in the ongoing negotiations. The current exemption is set to expire next year. Belgium and Italy are also seeking exceptions.
Experts warn that the end of the exemption could lead to a crisis in the Czech construction and automotive industries.
Sikela notes that there are very few suppliers producing the necessary material, and the search for alternatives has not yielded good results so far.
Steel is used in key industries such as bridge construction, steel mills, wind power stations, and other structures.
Czechia also proposes to the EU to restrict the travel of Russian diplomats in the Schengen Zone in connection with the new sanctions.
Czechia suggests issuing visas and residence permits with limited mobility only within the country of residence.
