Key facts
- Southern EU countries are objecting to key measures in the proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia.
- Greece, Cyprus, and Malta are pushing to soften a proposed price cap on Russian oil.
- Portugal is reportedly leading efforts to maintain Russian fish imports.
- France, Italy, and Spain are opposing proposed entry bans for Russian military personnel.
- The sanctions package was intended to include measures on cryptocurrency, fisheries, and entry bans.
The European Union's effort to pass its 21st sanctions package against Russia is facing significant pushback from several member states, primarily in Southern Europe. Originally intended to include measures targeting cryptocurrency, Russian fisheries, and entry bans for Russian military personnel, the proposal is being diluted due to objections from countries like Greece, Cyprus, and Malta, who are concerned about the economic impact on their shipping and processing industries.
Greece, supported by Cyprus and Malta, is particularly resistant to a proposed six-month price cap on Russian oil, fearing it could lead to ships reflagging to third countries and reduce income for their significant maritime sectors. Some diplomats suggest a compromise might involve a three-month price freeze, with a review in the autumn, especially as energy prices have been falling.
Further watering down is expected for measures aimed at reducing reliance on Russian fish, with Portugal reportedly leading the charge to maintain imports. Concerns over low profit margins for processed fish products like fish sticks are cited as a reason for this opposition. Additionally, Bulgaria's new Prime Minister has indicated he would block measures against Patriarch Kirill.
The proposal to ban current and former Russian combatants from entering the EU is also facing significant opposition, primarily from France, Italy, and Spain. These countries, which process a large number of Russian tourist visas, have raised legal and procedural concerns, including the practicalities of verifying who is a soldier and the costs associated with implementing such a ban. This opposition may lead to the measure being postponed or significantly weakened, leaving supportive EU countries to decide between a compromised deal or no deal at all.