Key facts
- EU ambassadors are pushing to finalize the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
- Key measures have been weakened or removed to protect national economic interests.
- Greece is blocking a ban on shipping Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to its large merchant fleet.
- Austria raised concerns about Raiffeisen Bank's assets in Russia.
- Proposed sanctions against Patriarch Kirill and restrictions on former Russian soldiers were significantly diluted.
- The package is still expected to cut off more Russian banks from SWIFT and ban over 250 individuals from traveling to the EU.
EU ambassadors are facing a significant challenge in finalizing the bloc's 21st sanctions package against Russia, a process complicated by the removal of Hungary's former obstructionist stance under Viktor Orbán. Without Budapest's cover, other member states are now openly defending their national interests, leading to the weakening or outright removal of several key measures. Greece has stalled the package over a proposed ban on shipping Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries, citing concerns for its vast merchant fleet. Austria has also intervened on behalf of Raiffeisen Bank regarding its assets in Russia. Proposed bans on Russian fish imports and sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, were also dropped or significantly diluted due to objections from countries like Bulgaria and Italy, with the Vatican reportedly opposing targeting the head of another church. France and Italy also pushed back against restrictions on former Russian soldiers, arguing the implementation system was not ready. Despite these concessions, the package is still expected to include measures such as cutting off more Russian banks from the SWIFT messaging system and imposing travel bans on over 250 individuals. The difficulties encountered highlight the increasing challenge of finding unanimous agreement among EU nations as the bloc runs out of easier targets and confronts powerful national economic interests.