OREANDA-NEWS. Europe made mistakes in its dialogue with Moscow, Christoph Leitl, president of the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, as it is said in an article in the Austrian edition of Kurier.

Relations with Russia have reached a low point, but there is a chance for a reset: you need to build bridges again, not erect barriers, he is sure. To this end, Brussels should gradually weaken sanctions, creating a trusting atmosphere, as well as establish cooperation in the spheres of economy, science and culture. According to the President of the Chamber, in the situation with Ukraine, the European Union should follow the example of Austria and remain neutral.

The challenges posed by climate change and digitalization, among other things, could be the focus of efforts, Leitl concludes.

It is recalled that earlier Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said that anti-Russian sanctions "harm everyone", and the economic situation is "unsatisfactory" because of this.

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in 2014 due to the situation in Ukraine and around Crimea. The United States, the European Union and Canada accused Moscow of interfering in Kiev's affairs and imposed sanctions against it. In Russia, they responded to this with a food embargo, the country embarked on a course of import substitution, and the authorities have repeatedly called the conversation in the language of sanctions counterproductive.

Now in the West, more and more opinions are voiced about the need to abolish restrictive measures, which are more harmful to those who introduce them.