Spar supermarkets keep opening new stores in Russia despite EU sanctions

Under the Dutch Spar brand, supermarkets continue to launch new outlets in Russia even as the European Union seeks to curtail Russia’s war‑economy. Recent openings include a Moscow store on Tverskaya Zastava Street and earlier sites in the Avenue Sever shopping centre and on Koelakov Street. The chain now operates around 300 locations across cities such as Moscow, Saint‑Petersburg and Kazan. A Russian Spar representative promoted the stores, saying, "Step inside and you will be immediately enveloped by the delicious smell of fresh‑baked bread and the invigorating aroma of coffee."

The Dutch foreign ministry warned that doing business in Russia is "irresponsible and incompatible with the Netherlands’ commitment to Ukraine" and urges Dutch firms to withdraw. Nevertheless, Spar claims it cannot exit contracts, while experts question the legality of selling goods listed on the EU sanctions roster.