REUTERS
Two companies from the Netherlands participate in the construction of the bridge across the Strait of Kerch, which is planned to connect the Russian Federation with occupied Crimea, Europeiska Pravda reported with reference to De Gelderlander.
According to De Gelderlander, two small companies have been reported: Dematec Equipment built one of the machines for the construction of the bridge, while Bijlard Hydrauliek supplied "the most important spare part" for the machine.
The vehicle was sent to Russia in early 2016 and deployed on the Russian Black Sea coast. Subsequently, it has been laying heavy pipes on the seabed as a basis for the bridge's support.
Dematec chief has said that his company delivers vehicles around the world and the EU sanctions were not violated in this case. "According to EU sanctions, we should not be in Crimea, and the vehicle was delivered to Russia," he said.
Read alsoUkraine accuses Russia of violating int'l maritime law due to Kerch bridge constructionThe head of another company said that he did not know that the vehicle would be used for a bridge to annexed Crimea. "We just handed over the spare parts for the vehicle to the customer in the Netherlands, nothing more," he said.
The deputies of the Parliament of the Netherlands have already reacted to the report about the Dutch companies.
"If the Dutch companies cooperate with the builders of this bridge, I would like to ask them a lot of questions. This bridge is a symbol of Russian annexation. I want to know whether it is permitted by law," said Kirsten van den Hul, a member of the House of Representatives for the Labor Party.
Lilianne Ploumen, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, said that the government would study the issue of the participation of these companies in the project, NOS TV channel reported.
Read alsoRussia's controversial Crimea bridge gets giant arch – BBC"The Government of the Netherlands applies a strict policy of non-recognition after the illegal annexation of Crimea, and does not encourage such activities," she said.
Read alsoRussia blocking navigation across Kerch StraitThe minister also noted that even if the companies did not violate European legislation, the Dutch government "expects that the companies will conduct international business remaining socially responsible."