Russia has reportedly imposed restrictions on the number of companies from Moldova that are allowed to export fruit and vegetables to the country.
Moldova, which is Europe’s poorest country, currently exports apples and grapes, among other products to its near neighbour.
However, according to an Associated Press report that quoted the Moldova’s deputy agriculture minister Vasile Bumacov, Moscow has reduced the amount of Moldovan companies permitted to export to Russia from 136 to 36.
Speculation in the media has linked Russia’s move to Moldova’s parliamentary elections in November, claiming Moscow may be attempting to exert greater influence over the country and dissuade it from any attempts to move closer to the European Union.
