Key facts
- Greece has blocked the EU's latest sanctions package against Russia.
- The disagreement stems from a proposed ban on EU companies shipping Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries.
- Athens argues the ban goes beyond previous agreements and that vessels would simply re-register abroad.
- Ireland proposed a compromise allowing exports until January 2029 with capped volumes and no new contracts.
- Greece is seeking an indefinite exception for its shipping industry, which operates specialized LNG vessels.
- EU ambassadors are scheduled to hold further negotiations to resolve the impasse.
European Union member states failed to reach an agreement on a new package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday evening, primarily due to objections from Greece concerning a proposed ban on the export of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries. The Greek government argues that such a ban would harm its significant shipping industry and goes beyond previously agreed-upon measures, suggesting vessels would simply re-register elsewhere, thus reducing EU oversight. Ireland put forward a compromise proposal to allow these exports until January 2029, with capped volumes and a ban on new contracts, but Athens has reportedly refused this, seeking an indefinite exemption. Greece possesses one of the world's largest LNG fleets and operates specialized ships capable of reaching Arctic terminals. The delay also impacts the extension of the price cap on Russian oil. EU ambassadors are scheduled to reconvene for further discussions to attempt to salvage the sanctions package.