In early January, it became known that the EU plans to impose restrictive measures against Kyrgyzstan for supporting Russia in circumventing sanctions.
The new package of sanctions against Moscow may lead to the first application of the EU mechanism that prohibits the export of equipment, including machinery, to Kyrgyzstan.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Amangeldiev emphasized that the imposition of sanctions against the country would negatively impact Kyrgyzstan's image and slow down its development. He also added that in February, Bishkek sent documents to Brussels outlining the steps taken to improve the situation; however, explanations on how to lift sanctions from Kyrgyz banks have not been received from the EU.
“This decision will affect our image. If it is made, we will be ready to challenge it in court,” the Deputy Prime Minister's words are quoted by FT.
On March 2, the Cabinet clarified that the discussion was only about a hypothetical scenario of possible sanctions, and the government does not intend to initiate legal proceedings against the European Union.
The position of the Kyrgyz Republic remains stable and unchanged. The country acts in full compliance with current legislation, international obligations, and norms of international law.
“Issues of export control and compliance with sanction regimes are resolved through dialogue and coordination with international partners. Legal or confrontational actions are not part of our strategy. The Kyrgyz Republic seeks constructive cooperation with the European Union,”
the Cabinet added, confirming that the country does not plan and is not preparing to file a lawsuit against the EU regarding sanctions against Russia.
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Since the beginning of 2022, more than 20 companies from Kyrgyzstan, including a major bank and oil and gas companies, have been subjected to sanctions by the U.S. and U.K. Treasury. Secondary sanctions affect not only the financial sector and the oil industry but also companies involved in supplies:
- telecommunication and electronic equipment,
- IT infrastructure,
- aviation fuel,
- air transport, and more.
Economist Robin Brooks from the Brookings Institution noted a sharp increase in export supplies to Kyrgyzstan: from Estonia — by 10,000%, from Finland — by 3,100%, from Poland and Greece — by 2,200% and 2,100% respectively, as well as from Norway, the U.K., Germany, and the Czech Republic — by more than 1,000%.
