© Philippe Wojazer / Reuters
The French Senate has voted to urge the government to reduce economic sanctions on Russia.
The resolution to “gradually and partially” lift sanctions was approved 302-16 on June 8.
The motion is non-binding. However, many believe the vote is a sign of growing opposition to anti-Russian sanctions in Europe.
The sanctions are due to expire next month.
The European Union was Russia’s biggest trading partner before 2014 when the EU introducted the anti-Russian sanctions, blaming Moscow for the Ukrainian crisis. In turn, Russia banned all food imports from the EU. As a result, EU agricultural exports to Russia plummeted by 50% in 2015. French auto and food companies have also suffered because of the sanctions and Russian embargo.