Politico names two possible dates for EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia
Photo: The EU will announce sanctions against Russia on September 19 or 22 (Getty Images)
The European Union's new package of sanctions against Russia has been delayed, but it is promised to be presented by the beginning of next week, reports Politico.
The European Commission planned to present a new, 19th package of sanctions on September 16. However, pressure from Donald Trump, who is demanding more decisive steps from Europe in exchange for support for US sanctions, has complicated the process in Brussels.
The European Commission has informed EU ambassadors that the sanctions package is expected on Friday, September 19, or Monday, September 22. Two diplomats told Politico that some officials are hoping for an earlier release.
Kallas statement
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas assured journalists that the package would be presented in the near future. “Russia is testing the West. Should Putin sense any weakness, he will continue to push forward because he wants to test us. Europe must respond firmly,” Kallas said.
She stressed the need to intensify strikes against Russian banks, energy companies, crypto exchanges, and the shadow fleet. “Depriving Moscow of the funds to wage a war is essential to end this conflict,” Kallas said.
The energy factor
Among Trump's demands is that NATO end its dependence on Russian oil. However, this is difficult to achieve given the position of Türkiye, which is heavily dependent on Russian energy resources and has not joined the sanctions against Moscow.
Within the EU itself, Hungary and Slovakia are slowing down the reduction of their dependence on Russian supplies. In her statements, Kallas did not mention a complete halt to oil imports, which Trump is seeking.
After talking with Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the sanctions package would target crypto, banks, and energy. She did not mention China in her statement.
According to Bloomberg, the EU's new sanctions package against Russia will be announced after a unified approach has been agreed upon with the G7.
