Estonia may block 18th EU sanctions package over oil price cap

"We have a very clear position that lowering the oil price cap must be included in this package. Our stance on this issue is firm," Tsahkna said.

He added that introducing a lower price cap on Russian oil would be the strongest element of the EU's new sanctions package.

The Estonian Foreign Minister explained that reducing the cap from the current $60 per barrel to $45 was also part of the proposal presented by the European Commission earlier this year.

Tsahkna emphasized that Estonia's position is to adopt the sanctions package in its original form, as proposed by the European Commission.

Earlier, Delfi reported that Mediterranean countries with large shipping sectors — especially Malta — want this provision removed from the package, prompting Estonia to consider vetoing the 18th package if the new price ceiling is excluded.

Decisions on EU foreign policy require the unanimous agreement of all member states.

EU sanctions against Russia

On June 10, the European Commission presented a new package of restrictions against Russia. The sanctions aim to hit Moscow's revenues from energy exports, banking, and the military-industrial sector.

However, Slovakia and Hungary refused to support the new sanctions package, citing their reluctance to give up access to cheap Russian oil and gas.

Later, Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that Bratislava would lift its veto if the EU provided guarantees to mitigate the negative impact of abandoning Russian energy sources.

Recently, RFE/RL correspondent Rikard Jozwiak reported that the new sanctions package could be adopted soon, as an agreement with Slovakia had been reached.

However, today the journalist noted that during the EU ambassadors' meeting, no consensus was reached once again on the 18th package due to continued obstruction from Slovakia.