Following negotiations among EU member states, the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia has been significantly watered down compared with the European Commission’s original proposals. This was reported by Euractiv, citing diplomatic sources.
The European Commission had proposed imposing a visa ban on all Russian military personnel involved in the war against Ukraine. However, under pressure from France, Italy and Greece, the measure was softened and will apply only to those who directly participated in combat operations.
At Greece’s request, the period for reviewing the price cap on Russian oil has also been reduced from six months to three months.
The sanctions package is also unlikely to include a ban on the transportation of Russian LNG.
Restrictions on fish imports have also been amended. Germany, Poland and Portugal secured exemptions for certain species.
Bulgaria blocked the inclusion of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia in the sanctions list.
