EU ambassadors approve 21st sanctions package against Russia
Photo: EU ambassadors have finally agreed on a new package of sanctions against Russia (Getty Images)
The permanent representatives of the European Union member states have finally reached an agreement on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia. Final technical adjustments to the document are currently underway, according to a Radio Free Europe correspondent who received the information from an EU official.
What is known about the package’s adoption
An EU diplomat said that technical work on the document is now being finalized.
The written approval procedure for the package is scheduled to begin this afternoon.
How the EU reached agreement on the 21st package
The path to the 21st sanctions package proved to be long and difficult for the European Union.
On July 15, ambassadors from EU member states were unable to reach an agreement on a new package of restrictions against Russia—negotiations had reached a deadlock at that time.
Meanwhile, on July 22, it became clear why so many member states were holding up the package’s adoption.
Greece opposed a ban on the transport of Russian liquefied natural gas, Austria defended the interests of Raiffeisen Bank, and Bulgaria, France, and Italy blocked restrictions targeting certain individuals and former Russian military personnel.
The European Union is simultaneously stepping up pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet at sea.
In the Mediterranean Sea, EU forces seized the oil tanker MV SOUTH STAR, which is suspected of sailing under a false flag, and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA operations have allowed for inspections of shadow fleet vessels.
