AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands yesterday postponed a mission on energy trade to Russia planned for May because of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and increased tensions in eastern Ukraine.
The Netherlands is looking at ways to safeguard its energy supply after earthquakes caused by gas production forced it to cut output from the huge Groningen gas field this year. Combined with dwindling reserves, that may increase the country’s demand for imported gas.
The May 13-16 mission would have brought together high level government officials and corporate executives from both countries. The Dutch have been looking to expand economic ties with Russia, a big export market where the Netherlands is a leading investor. “(The mission) has been postponed. The cabinet made the decision today, based on recent developments in Ukraine, particularly in the east of the country,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. It set no new date for the trip. “The European Union is reviewing its ties with Russia,” Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans
said. “A successful mission under the current circumstances is not
possible.” Reuters
