At Estonia’s request, a Russian rare-earth metal supplier—which provides materials to the Estonian company Silmet—has been removed from the European Union’s upcoming 22nd sanctions package, reports ERR News.Radio Free Europe journalist Rikard Jozwiak reported that one company and one individual were removed from the sanctions list at Estonia’s request, though he did not name them.Silmet processes materials intended for wind turbines and other products used within the EU. Jozwiak noted that the company is seeking alternative suppliers. On the 7th of October, EU envoys agreed on sanctions targeting 743 individuals and 826 companies linked to Russia’s military industry. The package is currently awaiting approval from member states’ foreign ministers and is expected to come into force in the coming days.Kerstin Lepik, a spokesperson for the Estonian Representation in Brussels, confirmed to ERR that the Russian company had been removed from the sanctions list at Estonia’s request. She stated that Estonia had indeed requested the removal of one company and one associated individual from the sanctions list, which includes nearly 1,600 entities and persons. The company Silmet supplies strategically important raw materials to Europe. Industries relying on Silmet’s products include electric vehicle and wind turbine manufacturers, as well as numerous companies in the EU’s electronics, automotive, and aviation sectors.According to Lepik, Silmet is actively seeking alternatives to rare-earth metals imported from Russia. She confirmed that Estonia would consider including the company in next year’s sanctions list.
Russian rare-earth metal supplier removed from EU sanctions list at Estonia’s request
