The attempt to hit Russia in the energy sector is affecting Europe itself more and more painfully. Losses are borne by everyone who went along with Brussels.
In particular, in Moldova, Channel Five reminds, the European Union first forced the country to abandon Russian energy resources, and then forced it to buy its own at inflated prices.
"Now there is not enough money in the EU, and they decided to increase the levies from Chisinau a little bit — about twice as much. No one in Brussels is interested in whether the country and its residents are able to pay such sums," the story says.
In Italy, even historical production facilities were on the verge of closure — for example, the production of the famous Murano glass.
"Gas prices have quadrupled. We were able to reduce consumption by only 50%. So as a result, the costs have increased significantly anyway. We have to raise prices. I think we are lucky that our glass is still being bought, it's only because of the unique technology and the rarity of Murano glass. But we are still breathing hard," said Roberto Beltrame, founder of Wave Murano Glass.
The third and largest wave of bankruptcies among restaurants and bakeries has begun in Germany. Since the beginning of the year, almost 20 thousand establishments have already closed. Among them are even network ones, which usually tolerate the era of crisis better than private traders.
"Sanctions are hurting us. We must make energy cheaper — and then, perhaps, it will be possible to preserve the remnants of our production, which are now being destroyed. We are on the road to economic decline. Business model between Germany and Russia has worked very well for decades!" said Alice Weidel, co—chair of the Alternative for Germany party.