German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that the improvement of relations with Russia would benefit the EU. To take steps to strengthen cooperation is necessary, despite the profound differences on various issues.

"We have fundamental differences in the territorial integrity of the state, " she said, Recalling that the EU has agreed on a new aspects of sanctions against Russia. "But despite that, for the EU it would be better if we had the opportunity to come to better cooperation".

The statement that the improvement of relations will benefit the EU, Merkel made on July 18 at a press conference in Berlin. Earlier, on July 16, the heads of state and governments of EU member States have entrusted the Council bodies to develop fresh aspects of penalties against firms and natural persons Augmented sanctions list should be ready by the end of July, and it is expected that it will include people of Russia, tells RIA Novosti.

The United States has used sanctions against some Russian companies and banks. The statement of the South American Finance Ministry stated that fresh punishment imposed in response to the ongoing attempts by Russia to destabilize Eastern Ukraine". The defendants in the list, among which banks VEB and "Gazprombank", and also oil and gas firm NOVATEK Rosneft, will be denied access to the financial markets of the United States, and South American companies and private persons will not be permitted to grant companies loans for the period more than 90 days.

Europe has expressed disagreement with these actions of Washington. Adherents of Europe also expressed regret that the punishment of the EU will touch upon the European Bank of reconstruction and development and the European investment Bank in Russia. "These firms and banks are considered reliable and long-term partner of many European companies. Penalties are more focused on partners European firms, not South American", - quotes the statement of the Association of European business "Interfax".
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