Russian boycott for flowers and plants?

Will Russia also boycott the Dutch flowers? Different media reported this probability. However, for the time being it seems not to be the case yet. "Of course, there is always a chance for a boycott" says Paul van der Zweep of the Dutch VGB (Association of Wholesalers in Horticultural Products). "But we do not know anything about these plans". The message, that has been published multiple times, seems to be a misinterpretation. "At the moment we are looking for the primary source of the message."

Boycott
The different articles highlight the probability that Russia will boycott all flowers and plants from the EU. The reason for implementing this ban would be the use of false export documents in fruit trade. Since August, food from Western countries are boycotted. Therefore, smuggle routes are formed for loads with false documents. Countries that are often mentioned are Servia and White Russia, but also Bulgaria. For this reason, Russia decided to ban all re-exports from Bulgaria.

Sanctions
The boycott of Russia was a reaction on the European sanctions. Lately, there is no direct reason for Russia to implement another ban. In the coming months Europe needs to decide whether to stop or keep the sanctions against Russia.