EU drafts 14th sanctions package against Russia, including LNG restrictions
EU drafts 14th sanctions package against Russia (Photo: Getty Images)
The European Commission has sent the members of the European Union a draft of the 14th package of sanctions against Russia. It will include restrictions on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, reports Polskie Radio 24.
Earlier, it was reported that the European Commission proposes to limit the import of liquefied natural gas from Russia but does not plan to impose a complete embargo on it. This involves banning the transshipment of Russian LNG in European ports from where it is subsequently shipped worldwide.
The agency notes that Belgium and its port of Zeebrugge are leaders in this area, but France and Spain are also among the largest recipients of Russian LNG. The import ban will also affect EU terminals that are not part of the European gas network.
Sanctions against those aiding Russia in evading restrictions
The EU is also proposing restrictions on Russian LNG projects Arctic and Murmansk. Several vessels from Russia's shadow fleet that transport oil despite existing restrictions are expected to fall under sanctions.
The European Commission proposes to prohibit transport companies in the EU that are at least a quarter owned by Russians from operating within the EU. The EC has also compiled a list of over 50 companies outside the EU that assist Russia in obtaining critical components circumventing sanctions. These companies are from China, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Kyrgyzstan.
"Additionally, there will be a ban on financing political parties and funds by Russia, as well as non-governmental organizations and research centers," the material states.
The EU has proposed banning the sale of Ukrainian artworks on the EU market if there are suspicions they may have been stolen. The European Commission wants to ban the import of helium from Russia and also the export of manganese ore, mining equipment, monitors, and electronics.
EU's 14th package of sanctions against Russia
The European Union has imposed 13 packages of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, but the Kremlin is attempting to circumvent the current restrictions.
In early April, European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis stated that the EU had begun preparations for the 14th package of sanctions against Russia.
Latvia's Finance Minister, Arvils Aseradens, recently stated that the European Union needs to ban the supply of manganese ore and aluminum oxide to Russia.
Politico reported that the European Union may impose sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas for the first time.
