German industrial machinery driving the Russian armaments sector

Question for written answer E-002075/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Michał Dworczyk (ECR)

Following the introduction of European sanctions banning exports of goods with a potential military use, Russia stepped up its efforts to increase arms production in its domestic factories. The products of German industrial machine-building companies which can be used in the manufacture of military equipment, ammunition and weapons are playing an important role in this process. According to Russian customs documents obtained by Südwestrundfunk, by the end of December 2023 Russia had imported more than 300 machines from over 30 German manufacturers[1].

For example, Walter Maschinenbau from Tübingen made 11 deliveries in 2023; its machinery is used by the Russian firm NIR JSC, which supplies the military with aircraft and rocket engines. Vollmer from Biberach and Fein GmbH from Schwäbisch-Gmünd have not only supplied machinery to Russia, but continue to maintain active Russian websites with service and technical support. The Russian companies Parsek, Kamaz, NIR and Industrial Solutions are supplying the Russian army with engines and parts for aircraft and missiles using German machinery to produce them.

I think this is unacceptable and would like to ask the following questions:

• 1.Is the Commission aware that German companies are circumventing the sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its war of aggression against Ukraine?
• 2.Is the Commission planning to take action against companies breaking the sanctions?
• 3.Is the Commission planning to strengthen the sanctions regime and export controls in the private sector, in particular to monitor supply chains and the activities of subsidiaries of European companies operating in Russia?

Submitted: 15.10.2024

• [1] https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/swr/embargo-russland-maschinen-100.html