Delayed EU’s 19th Sanctions Package Against Russia Might Be Announced This Week
Despite recent delays, the European Union plans to unveil a new, reinforced sanctions package against Russia by the end of this week.
According to independent sources, this document, which could significantly influence global energy and security policies, is scheduled for release no later than Friday.
The postponement of the 19th sanctions package was a surprise to analysts and policymakers, as initial expectations indicated it would be ready at the start of the week.
However, German publication Handelsblatt, citing sources within the European Commission, reports that the delay was due to the need to expand the sanctions list and adapt to new provocations from Russia and pressure from the United States.The upcoming package will reportedly include Chinese and Indian banks, as well as oil refineries that deal with Russian oil, on the blacklist.
Despite mounting anti-war pressure from the US, the EU decided against imposing additional tariffs, signaling a desire to maintain balance in global energy politics.
This decision comes amid the stance taken by former US President Donald Trump, who urged a halt to Russian oil imports and threatened further sanctions.
Political analyst Carlo Masala from Munich’s Bundeswehr University points out that such US demands are often used to create conditions that Europeans are unlikely to fulfill, potentially giving Trump an excuse to withdraw support for Ukraine or deepen internal conflicts within the EU.There is a growing recognition within Europe of the importance of utilizing Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction, reflecting a shift towards greater independence in sanctions policy.
The initial plans for rapid implementation of the 19th sanctions package were temporarily shelved, primarily due to diplomatic pressures and internal debates within the EU, especially regarding Slovakia and Hungary’s dependence on Russian oil.
All parties aim to preserve EU unity and prevent further fragmentation amid ongoing Russian aggression.