EU prepares new sanctions strategy against Russia targeting 3 vital areas
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (Getty Images)
The European Union plans to impose tougher restrictions on Russia, which will affect three key areas, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Following the informal European summit in Copenhagen, she notes that it was time to increase pressure on Russia and that the EU had proposed a new approach to sanctions for this purpose.
"We do not approach the sanctions anymore in incremental steps, but we present much more robust measures on energy, on financial services, and on trade," von der Leyen says.
The President of the European Commission notes that this is part of the 19th package of sanctions, which is currently under discussion.
We all agree that we need a true shift in how Europe thinks and acts on defence.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 1, 2025
Including a precise, pan-European plan.
Today we discussed Europe's 2030 Readiness roadmap, with clear milestones & objectives.
Because only what gets measured gets done https://t.co/EmoMXWU6ub
EU sanctions against Russia
On September 19, the European Commission submitted the 19th package of sanctions against Russia for discussion by EU member states.
The new restrictions, in particular, provide for a complete ban on Russian gas imports to European countries by January 1, 2027.
EU ambassadors may agree on new sanctions in the coming days.
As the pro-Russian leaders of Hungary and Slovakia will try to block the new restrictions against the Kremlin, the European Commission has proposed a new voting scheme.
