New obstacle threatens EU’s next round of Russia sanctions - Politico
Illustrative photo: A new obstacle has emerged before the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia (Getty Images)
Malta has voiced opposition to a proposed cap on Russian energy export prices set at 15% below market value, which is part of the European Union’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, Politico reports.
According to the outlet, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed hope that the EU will soften the impact of the proposed ban on Russian gas. He stated he would support the new sanctions package against Russia when EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels.
"We want to resolve this by Tuesday because tensions are rising on all sides," Fico said.
However, a new obstacle has emerged to the sanctions package — Malta.
"During a Coreper meeting on Sunday, it raised objections to the Commission’s proposal of setting a price cap for Russian energy exports of 15 percent of the market price," Politio reports, citing an unnamed European diplomat.
The 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia
On June 10, the European Commission presented another sanctions package against Russia, aimed at reducing its revenues from energy resources, the financial system, and the defense sector. However, Hungary and Slovakia soon refused to support the restrictions, citing a desire to maintain access to cheap Russian oil and gas.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated that Bratislava is ready to lift its veto only if the EU guarantees the minimization of negative consequences from cutting off Russian energy supplies. Nevertheless, on July 9, due to Slovakia's position, EU ambassadors once again failed to agree on the sanctions package.
