The European Union criticized Russia for placing subsidiaries of an Italian and a German company under " temporary external management" of a structure of "Gazprom", saying that this move highlights Moscow's disregard for international norms, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
A day earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree transferring to "Gazprom household systems" 100% of the shares of the Russian structures, the Italian company "Ariston" (Ariston), specializing in the production of water heating devices, as well as the German household appliance manufacturer Bess Ha "Hausgerete" (BSH Hausgeraete).
"These measures targeting legitimate economic activities are further evidence of Russia's disregard for international law and rules," said a spokesperson for the EU diplomatic service. The actions in question confirm that Russia, which is waging war in Ukraine, is also "an unpredictable actor in the economic sphere and has created a business climate of arbitrariness and hostility towards foreign investors," the EU spokesman added.
The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, announced that the Russian ambassador in Rome was summoned today to give clarifications on the matter. Tajani added that the governments of Italy and Germany are coordinating their actions with EU officials in Brussels.
In a statement by "Ariston" the company is said to be "extremely surprised" of Russia's actions and that he is assessing the consequences of Putin's decree.