The Americans launched a plan at the G7 summit to declare some kind of general export ban on Russia. The European Commission is against a general boycott. “Sanctions must go as far as necessary,” says Groothuis, who also doubts a complete ban. ‘Especially in the field of medicines and humanitarian goods, this should be on the list of exceptions. It is inappropriate to hit the Russian people like this. Above all, we must strike the regime».
“I really think it’s a pity that it released 60 new brands on the Russian market”
Ban
Unlike medicine or humanitarian aid, Groothuis thinks the Heineken ban is “good”. Where many foreign companies have pulled out of Russia, the brewer has ramped up its activities with the launch of no fewer than 60 brands. ‘I really think it’s a pity that it released 60 new brands on the Russian market. I really don’t think it’s good. Our Dutch pride really needs a rethink. I find that really unacceptable.’ Groothuis says he has had a number of conversations with Heineken.
Listen to the full conversation about BNR De Wereld here