Kathleen Depoorter: “Financial flows to Russia’s war industry must be stopped—urgently”

Federal MP Kathleen Depoorter is calling on both the Belgian government and the European Union to take a much tougher stance on Russia. She wants Belgium to lead the way in cracking down on countries and companies that continue to help finance the Russian war effort.
“If we truly want peace, we must have the courage to go after the money that makes this war possible,” Depoorter says.

Russian agricultural products still entering Belgium

In response to a parliamentary question by Depoorter, it was revealed that Belgium imported over €34 million worth of Russian agricultural products in 2024. This, despite the fact that such products are supposed to fall under EU sanctions. “That’s unacceptable,” Depoorter says firmly. “As long as Russia continues to earn money through loopholes, it will keep funding its war. We need to close those loopholes—now.”

Secondary sanctions and stricter enforcement

To do so, Depoorter is proposing the introduction of secondary sanctions. These would target countries, companies, or banks that help Russia circumvent existing sanctions. She also wants a clear system of oversight to ensure the sanctions are genuinely effective. “Russia has reshaped its entire economy around war,” she warns. “While Ukraine is doing everything it can to cut off Russian oil revenues, Europe must be just as creative in plugging financial leaks.”

A long-term strategy on Russia

In her resolution, Depoorter urges the government to develop a long-term strategy for how Belgium and the EU engage with Russia. She believes this strategy should at least include:

• reducing dependence on Russian raw materials and energy,
• greater transparency from European companies still doing business with Russia,
• and regular reporting on how effective the sanctions really are.

“A strong and watertight sanctions regime isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s a strategic necessity. Belgium needs to hit the accelerator now,” Depoorter concludes.