Media: EU ambassadors convene to finalize 19th sanctions package against Russia

EU ambassadors are meeting today to finalize the bloc’s 19th package of sanctions against Russia, following a series of delays attributed in part to mounting pressure from Washington for Europe to adopt a more assertive stance in addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the European Commission is seeking to use the new sanctions as a lever to accelerate the continent’s decoupling from Russian fossil fuels, Euractiv reports.

“Sanctions are the way to do it,” a senior EU official told Euractiv, signaling a broader strategic shift toward long-term energy independence.

While Russian coal and oil have already faced extensive restrictions, gas could be next on the chopping block. Two EU diplomats indicated that measures targeting Russian gas exports are under active consideration, although consensus among member states remains fragile.

The upcoming sanctions package is expected to include several key elements:

Tighter enforcement against the circumvention of existing sanctions, with a particular focus on entities in third countries facilitating illicit trade routes;

Further restrictions on Russian financial institutions and energy companies aimed at constraining the Kremlin’s ability to finance its war effort;

An expanded blacklist targeting vessels in Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet" — ships used to covertly transport sanctioned oil;

New export controls potentially limiting the flow of sensitive technology and dual-use goods to nations aiding Russia’s wartime logistics.

In addition, the bloc may introduce stricter visa requirements for Russian nationals, particularly in the context of tourist and short-stay visas, as part of a broader effort to limit Russia’s international mobility.

By Vafa Guliyeva