EU to launch debate on 20th package of Russia sanctions after holidays — Politico
Photo: The EU will begin discussing the 20th package of sanctions against Russia after the New Year holidays (Getty Images)
The European Union may adopt a 20th package of sanctions against Russia in January, with discussions set to begin after the New Year holidays, Politico reports.
A decision on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia is not expected before the New Year holidays.
"It is not a priority right now," says one European official.
Another diplomat told Politico that the European Commission will begin discussing ideas for new sanctions in January.
Sources said that informal discussions on the new sanctions package, particularly on potential lists, are taking place in preparatory bodies, but this is standard preparatory work. Nothing has yet reached the level of EU ambassadors, which means that the interinstitutional process has not begun.
Closing loopholes will be a central element of the 20th package.
A new investigation by the European Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU) has revealed significant gaps in export controls on natural rubber, which is critical to Russia's defense industry - tires for fighter jets, missile carriers, bomb delivery systems, etc.
EU sanctions against Russia
In October, the European Union officially approved a new—already the 19th—package of sanctions against Russia. The restrictions are aimed at reducing the Kremlin's revenues and preventing sanctions from being circumvented through third countries.
Additionally, the EU has already begun preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia. Among other restrictions, sanctions against the Russian-allied regime in Belarus are being considered.
The EU is also considering new restrictive measures against those who operate the so-called shadow fleet of Russian tankers. These actions aim to further limit Moscow's revenues, which it uses to finance the war against Ukraine.
