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EU criticises Russia over control of German, Italian firms' systems

The European Union criticised Russia on Saturday for putting subsidiaries of one Italian and one German business under the short-lived external management of a Gazprom entity, saying the move underscored Moscow's neglect for international norms.

Russian President Vladimir Putin positioned the Russian subsidiaries of Italian water heating company Ariston and German appliance maker BSH Hausgeraete under JSC Gazprom Household Systems, according to a decree released on Friday.

These procedures, targeting genuine financial activities, are yet another proof of Russia's disregard for worldwide law and guidelines, a representative for the EU's diplomatic service stated in a statement.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated the federal government had actually summoned Russia's ambassador to offer explanation about the problem, including that Rome was collaborating with Germany and European Union officials in Brussels.

The EU statement said the moves verified that Russia, which is waging war on Ukraine, was an unforeseeable actor also in the financial field, and has developed an organization environment which is arbitrary and hostile towards foreign financiers.

The European Union contacts Russia to reverse these steps and look for appropriate options with European business targeted by them, the statement stated.

Ariston said on Saturday it was very surprised by the move and was examining the ramifications of the decree from a. governance and supervisory viewpoint.