Anti-Russia Sanctions Endanger European Union: Senior Russian Official

The European Union is entering the era of unpredictability with anti-Russia sanctions, low growth rates and a possible exit of Greece from the eurozone posing the main risks, the foreign affairs committee head says.

MOSCOW, January 5 (Sputnik) – Western sanctions against Russia as well as low growth rates and the possible exit of Greece from the eurozone pose significant risks to the European Union (EU), a senior Russian lawmaker said Monday.

"The European Union enters the era of 'unpredictability.' Low growth rates, anti-Russia sanctions and a potential exit of Greece from the eurozone are among the main risks [the EU is exposed to]," Alexei Pushkov, the head of the foreign affairs committee in the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's Parliament, posted to his Twitter account.

Over 2014 the EU, the United States and a number of other countries imposed several rounds of sanctions against Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis.

The latest restrictions specifically target Crimea, which reunited with Russia following a referendum in March 2014. On December 18, 2014, EU leaders banned all European investment in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. A day later, President Barack Obama issued an executive order that includes an unused-as-yet right to impose a US embargo of Crimea.

Western actions against Moscow have been criticized by EU citizens in a number of countries, particularly politicians, businessmen and public figures in Germany, where a large portion of the country's business is in cooperation with Russia.