EU prepares new 'sanctions' against Russia to mark 3rd anniversary of conflict in Ukraine

The European Commission (EC) is expected to begin consultations with European Union (EU) member states on the 16th package of sanctions against Russia on January 14.

The European Commission will begin consultations with EU member states on the 16th package of sanctions against Russia on January 14th. (Source: Getty Images)

Poland, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, wants a new sanctions package to be adopted precisely on the third anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, specifically February 24, 2025.

However, preparing a new package of sanctions could face some difficulties, as EU diplomats believe the EC has reached a certain "ceiling" in making sanctions decisions. In addition, opposition from countries such as Hungary and Slovakia is expected.

Therefore, the EC is also considering, among other measures, restrictions that have a similar effect to sanctions but do not require consensus in the decision-making process, such as increasing tariffs on certain agricultural products from Russia and Belarus.

Poland, along with a group of Scandinavian and Baltic countries, has submitted a proposal for the 16th package of sanctions. Specifically, these countries are calling for restrictions on imports of Russian natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

These countries also want the sanctions extended to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," which consists of vessels considered to be transporting illegal Russian oil. To date, the EU's 15th package of sanctions, according to the union's assessment, has only imposed sanctions on 72 of the 600 vessels in this fleet.

In addition, the new proposal also calls for a ban on cooperation with Russia's nuclear industry.

Previously, on December 16, the EU approved its 15th package of sanctions aimed at combating loopholes and undermining Russia's military- industrial complex.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/eu-chuan-bi-don-trung-phat-moi-doi-voi-nga-de-ky-niem-3-nam-ngay-no-ra-xung-dot-o-ukraine-300572.html