EU’s Russophobia a costly ‘obsession’ – Moscow

Anti-Russian policies have cost the bloc’s economy over $1.4 trillion, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova

9 APR 2025 CET RT: FILE PHOTO: Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. © Sputnik / Maxim Blinov

The EU’s “anti-Russian agenda” has proven to be an “expensive obsession” for the bloc, dealing a significant blow to its economy and citizens, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said.

The EU declared its intention to wean itself off Russian energy following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Supplies of more expensive US fuel have replaced much of the cheap pipeline gas that was previously provided by Russia.

According to data cited by Zakharova, the EU’s push to abandon Russian energy has come at a steep cost, with GDP losses estimated at 3.8% by 2024 and the total economic toll reaching €1.3 trillion ($1.4 trillion).

“This is the true cost of the EU’s anti-Russian agenda. Yes, Russophobia is an expensive obsession,” the diplomat said during a regular briefing on Wednesday.

Economic growth in the EU has slowed dramatically, with a GDP increase of just 1% in 2024, while the Russian economy grew 4.1% last year, Zakharova stated. Industrial production across the EU continues to decline, with a drop of 2.4% forecast for this year, the spokeswoman added.

She argued that the EU’s “destructive policies” have hit ordinary Europeans the hardest, citing expert estimates showing that between 2022 and 2024, EU citizens lost out on €1.6 trillion ($1.7 trillion) in income.

Zakharova went on to say that despite the declining quality of life for ordinary citizens – who are being forced to “tighten their belts” – EU officials continue to ramp up their anti-Russian rhetoric.

“Brussels continues down a self-destructive path, throwing away hundreds of billions of euros in a wave of Russophobic fervor,” the diplomat said. She argued that these funds are being spent on supporting Ukraine, “militarizing” the bloc, and paying for expensive US energy.

“All of this once again raises the same question: whose interests is the current European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, truly serving?” she questioned.

Commenting on the new US tariff hikes, the Russian diplomat said the EU is facing turmoil after US President Donald Trump imposed country-specific “reciprocal” tariffs, which included a 20% tax on goods from the bloc.

Zakharova warned that although EU officials have pledged to defend the interests of their citizens and producers, experts paint a bleak picture, suggesting the bloc could face up to €750 billion in economic losses over the next four years.