In it, many questions were asked about the sanctions and the too slow approach to bank balances, houses and boats of Russians in the Netherlands, according to many MPs.
Fewer
Due to the lack of concrete answers, the debate was suspended until the cabinet sent a letter with new information to the House of Representatives in the evening. Hoekstra then tried to make clear to the critical opposition that the Netherlands is working hard on the sanctions package against Russia. “A lot is coordinated, but you discover more and more,” says Hoekstra. “But yes, a lot still needs to be done.” Minister Hoekstra is prepared, among other things, to make an international comparison. Some opposition parties have the idea that the Netherlands is doing much less than other countries.
Luxury goods
The letter was signed by eight ministers. It contains all kinds of actions by ministries, such as a list of added sanctions such as an export ban on luxury goods with a value of more than 300 euros, the freezing of assets of the Russian Central Bank, an import ban on iron and steel and the closing of the EU airspace for all Russian airlines.
It becomes clear that five luxury yachts for Russian buyers are under construction in the Netherlands. The yachts are now not being delivered or exported and therefore cannot be seized.
Property
It also proves difficult to tackle Russian real estate in the Netherlands. It turns out that it is not easy for the Land Registry to find out who exactly is hiding behind complicated BVs. “I have to comply with Dutch law. I cannot confiscate real estate.”
The Tax Authorities can now also not provide information to sanction authorities about who the owners of boats, houses or paintings are. “This picture is not pretty,” says MP Omtzigt. Hoekstra promises that he will do everything to take extra measures. Tomorrow the Council of Ministers will again discuss speeding up sanctions and expanding the powers of the tax authorities.
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