EU expected to approve 18th sanctions package against Russia this week

"According to my information, this week European countries, together with Slovakia and Hungary, are expected to reach an agreement on the 18th sanctions package. However, it is worth noting that during the previous round, when the 17th package was being adopted, Hungary did not vote for it until the very last day — and there was even almost a full day when the sanctions were not in effect," Stefanishyna said.

She added that, recognizing this risk, several EU countries — France, Belgium, and the Netherlands — have initiated legal work to remove frozen Russian assets from under the sanctions framework and the requirement to renew their status every six months.

EU sanctions against Russia

During the EU summit held at the end of June, EU member states failed to adopt the 18th sanctions package against Russia due to a veto from Slovakia. The proposed restrictions targeted Moscow's energy revenues, banks, and military-industrial complex.

Following the impasse, Germany urged the United States and EU countries to support the package, highlighting its importance as a strong gesture of support for Kyiv.

The European Commission also backed the introduction of new restrictions, noting that the aggressor's economy is "overheated."

Recently, Radio Free Europe correspondent Rikard Jozwiak reported that the new sanctions could be approved soon, as an agreement with Slovakia had reportedly been reached.

However, on July 5, Slovakia blocked the 18th sanctions package for the second time at the level of the EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper). Its demand for lifting the veto remains unchanged.