Media: EU faces growing divisions over 21st Russia sanctions package

European Union officials are facing growing difficulties in finalising the bloc’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with several proposed measures encountering resistance from member states concerned about their economic impact, according to Politico. 

EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet on July 22 in an effort to reach an agreement on new restrictions, including measures targeting the transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“There’s no more low-hanging fruit after 20 packages,” one EU diplomat told Politico. Indeed, the meeting of the diplomats who prepare the work for EU ambassadors (known as Anticis) on July 20 didn’t solve the standoff.

According to Politico, some provisions initially included in the proposed sanctions package have already been revised or removed altogether as negotiations continue.

Separately, Euractiv reported that the European Commission is expected to present EU ambassadors with an assessment of the economic consequences of the proposed sanctions for member states. A central element of the analysis will examine the potential impact of banning the transport of Russian LNG.

The reports come amid signs of declining support within the EU for additional sanctions, as several governments express concerns that further restrictions could damage key domestic industries.

According to the reports, Greece has opposed plans to prohibit the transportation of Russian LNG, arguing that the measure could negatively affect shipping company Dynagas.

Germany and Portugal are reportedly advocating for an easing of restrictions on imports of Russian fish to support their seafood processing industries. Meanwhile, France and Italy are said to favor a relaxation of visa policies for Russian citizens, while Austria has again called for the unfreezing of assets linked to Raiffeisen Bank.

The discussions underscore the increasing challenge of maintaining consensus among the EU’s 27 member states as the bloc considers additional measures against Russia while balancing the economic interests of individual countries.

By Sabina Mammadli