Diamonds may be forever, but not when it comes to Russia's interests in the European Union.
Russia is one of the largest producers of rough diamonds mined beneath the Siberian permafrost, where a third of the world's diamond supply comes from.
And, the European Commission has already proposed to extend to diamonds a series of sanctions imposed on Russia, since the start of the invasion of Ukraine.
The next move is part of the 12th package of measures taken by the EU against Moscow, which is expected to come into force in January. The decision is also related to the G7, which is also discussing the imposition of an embargo on Russian diamonds.
Since 2022, EU sanctions have hit coal, gas, gold, vodka and even Russian caviar. But diamonds mined in north-east Russia are still used in engagement rings, necklaces and earrings around the world.
The Union has so far avoided imposing an embargo, mainly because Belgium has been keen to protect the city of Antwerp: the diamond capital of the world. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
