Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden defended the removal of Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman from the European Union sanctions list on Thursday, stating the decision protected national interests and prevented damage to the country. According to Frieden, his government requested Fridman’s exclusion only after an earlier push by France and Slovakia to lift restrictions on another oligarch, Alisher Usmanov.
National Interests and Financial Stakes in Luxembourg
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Prime Minister Luc Frieden explained that Luxembourg pressed for Fridman’s removal to safeguard the country’s general interests and avoid severe economic fallout. Fridman has pursued a legal challenge in an international arbitration court, demanding approximately 15 billion euros from Luxembourg after authorities froze his local assets under EU sanctions tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Despite criticism from various political figures regarding the policy shift, Frieden maintained that the decision does not weaken Luxembourg’s official backing of Kyiv. “That changes nothing regarding our support for Ukraine,” Frieden told reporters when addressing pushback against the state’s approach.
The Diplomatic Role of France and Slovakia
Following several days of intense debate, EU member states agreed on Tuesday to lift restrictive measures against both Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. The initiative to drop sanctions on Usmanov originated with France and Slovakia. French authorities pursued Usmanov’s removal in the hope of securing the release of French citizens currently detained in Azerbaijan.
Luxembourg’s administration capitalized on this diplomatic opening. Frieden confirmed that his cabinet only submitted its formal request for Fridman’s exclusion after the initial French and Slovakia-backed push for Usmanov had already surfaced in Brussels discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Mikhail Fridman removed from the EU sanctions list?
EU member states agreed to lift sanctions on Fridman and Alisher Usmanov following intense debates. Luxembourg requested Fridman’s exclusion to protect national interests and avert potential economic damage tied to a 15-billion-euro arbitration claim.
Which countries pushed to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov?
France and Slovakia initiated the push to remove Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, with French officials seeking political advantage to free French citizens detained in Azerbaijan.
Does this decision affect Luxembourg’s stance on Ukraine?
Prime Minister Luc Frieden stated that lifting Fridman’s sanctions does not alter Luxembourg’s ongoing political and material support for Ukraine.