Europe united over Russian milk ban

The European Union countries speak with a common voice over the issue of Russia’s ban on the import of Lithuanian dairy products, reports ELTA.

According to Jovita Neliupsiene, senior foreign policy advisor to President Dalia Grybauskaite, during the EU Council, the president presented the country’s situation and received support from other EU member states.

“Every EU member state expects that European countries and institutions will speak with a common voice and will defend each other’s interest against third countries. Trade is an exclusive EU competence and speaking of our case, the EU has adhered to the principle of solidarity,” said Neliupsiene in an interview with radio Ziniu radijas on Oct. 29.ssi

Russia imposed a trade ban on some Lithuanian dairy produts earlier this month, stating quality concerns.

The ban has received condemnation from EU leaders including German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

Grybauskaite presented Merkel with some Lithuanian cheese at a recent meeting as a sign of protest.

Lithuania hosts the Vilnius summit on Nov 28-29 where Ukraine and Moldova are expected to sign major association agreements with the European Union.