Belgian Parliament adopts resolution to ban imports of Russian diamonds to EU

This was reported by Le Monde.

The text of the resolution states that about 85% of the world's rough diamonds, half of the brilliants and 40% of industrial diamonds from the Russian Federation pass through Antwerp. At the same time, Russia, the world's largest producer, receives about $4 billion in revenue from the export of rough diamonds annually.

Thus, the resolution states that the ban should be imposed primarily on the Russian company ALROSA, which is run by a close ally of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The company is accused of using its profits to finance the war in Ukraine.

Until now, Belgian authorities have expressed doubts about a possible ban on diamond imports, fearing that the trade would move to other strongholds such as Dubai, to the detriment of Antwerp.

The Parliament also calls on the Belgian government to "directly advocate in the European Council for a ban on both direct and indirect trade in Russian diamonds". This request should also be made within the G7 (which includes three EU member states). This issue may be discussed at the next meeting scheduled for May 19-21 in Hiroshima.

• On March 7, the State Department reported that the United States and the European Union were preparing sanctions against the Russian diamond industry.