MEP Monica Macovei criticizes the decision of Russia’s food safety body to ban the import of Moldovan wine products, IPN reports. The embargo imposed by Russia on the import of Moldovan wine represents an attempt to destabilize the country’s European course, says a communiqué issued by the MEP’s assistant.

Monica Macovei, who heads the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU – Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, said that by its decision the Russian Federation shows that it does not respect the Moldovan people as it prevents them from enjoying the prosperity offered by the EU.

According to the MEP, Moldova can notify the World Trade Organization of the violation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and can seek damages from Russia. Monica Macovei said she will ask the European Commission to support Moldova’s steps in this respect.

The Russian consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor Wednesday announced officially that the import of Moldovan wine products was stopped. The ban will not be lifted until the Moldovan authorities take measures to make sure that the supplied products are of a high quality. According to the watchdog, eight of the consignments of alcoholic products supplied recently didn’t meet the sanitary norms.