Not because of Hungary. EU fails to agree on 12th Russia sanction package as Austria objects
Photo: EU ambassadors again fail to agree on sanctions against Russia (Getty Images)
EU ambassadors failed to agree on a new package of sanctions against Russia today, December 12. However, this time, it wasn't Hungary's position causing the deadlock, according to journalist Rikard Jozwiak on X.
Austria is now reportedly objecting, expressing concern that Ukraine has included the Raiffeisen Bank International in the list of international sponsors of the war. However, normally, it is Hungary that attempts to block sanctions proposals against Russia.
Raiffeisen Bank International in Russia
Earlier this year, Ukraine included the Austrian banking group Raiffeisen Bank International in the list of international sponsors of the war due to its continued operations in Russia and official recognition of the so-called DPR and LPR. The bank had also been servicing a fictitious company in Cyprus controlled by Russian oligarchs Arkady and Boris Rotenberg.
New package of EU sanctions against Russia
The proposed 12th package of EU sanctions against Russia, presented by the European Commission on November 15, includes restrictive measures against over 120 individuals and entities for their roles in undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
It also suggests new import and export bans, including on Russian diamonds, and actions to raise oil prices and counteract the circumvention of EU sanctions.
Yesterday, Reuters reported that EU countries did not reach an agreement on banning the sale of tankers to Russian companies that could use them to bypass the established oil price restrictions.
