Image source: topwar.ru
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said that the actions of the leadership of the EU countries aimed at limiting the freedom of action of developing countries with respect to their available resources mean a return of Europe "to the slippery practices of the colonial era."
After the Indonesian authorities imposed a ban on nickel ore exports in 2020, which resulted in damage to European stainless steel producers, the European Union filed a complaint with the WTO, which, despite Indonesia's protests, ruled in favor of the applicant.
The Indonesian leader stressed that European countries trying to force his country to export nickel are seeking to control Indonesia's natural resources, which are necessary for their prosperity.
Widodo also recalled that it is the fault of the EU countries that Indonesia does not have the opportunity to modernize its economy and launch mass production of electric vehicles, in the manufacture of batteries for which nickel is used.
The President of Indonesia also noted that the European Union consists of countries that in the past pursued a policy of colonization of his country. And the current position of the EU practically repeats the one that was carried out during the years of Dutch colonialism.
In 2022, Indonesia's Minister of Investment said that the country was considering the possibility of creating an OPEC-like cartel for nickel and other rare metals that are needed in the production of batteries.
