GENEVA — The European Union criticized Russia's decision to prohibit imports of pigs, cattle, sheep and goats from the bloc and said it will use "all opportunities" to ensure the ban is lifted.
Russia outlawed the imports starting Tuesday due to an outbreak of the Schmallenberg virus.
European Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht and Health Commissioner John Dalli consider the ban "disproportionate and unjustified," the commission said. EU exports of pigs, cattle, sheep and goats to Russia were worth 188 million euros ($248 million) last year, and about 75 million euros of shipments are affected by the ban, the commission said.
(Bloomberg)
