Negotiations over the European Union’s 21st sanctions package against Russia have stalled due to a dispute over Russian liquefied natural gas. Greece is leading the opposition to a proposed ban on transshipment and re-export of Russian LNG to third countries. According to Bloomberg, the EU is considering at least three scenarios to break the deadlock.
The latest round of EU sanctions has hit a wall as member states struggle to reconcile their national economic interests with the bloc’s collective goal of tightening the pressure on Moscow. The main sticking point is the proposal to prohibit European companies from handling the transshipment of Russian LNG destined for markets outside the EU. Greece, home to major LNG terminals used for such operations, has refused to approve the measure.
Greek opposition stalls the talks
Greece is not alone in its resistance, but its veto is the most vocal. Athens argues a full ban would penalize its own infrastructure and energy security, while critics say it would merely redirect Russian gas flows rather than reduce global supply. The standoff has delayed the entire package, which also includes an extension of the price cap on Russian crude oil at $44.10 per barrel until July 23.
Three scenarios under consideration
Diplomats familiar with the negotiations told Bloomberg that the EU is weighing three possible compromises. One option is a complete ban on transshipment but with a lengthy transition period. Another partial exemption for certain member states like Greece, and a third scenario would replace the ban with stricter monitoring and reporting requirements. – Negotiations between member states are difficult because each capital is trying to protect the interests of its own economic sectors – reported Bloomberg, citing unnamed EU diplomats.
Broader concessions and timeline
The sanctions package has already been diluted in other areas. Plans to ban entry to the EU for former Russian soldiers were softened and delayed, while proposals to restrict imports of certain Russian fishery products were entirely dropped. EU ambassadors are expected to meet later this week to continue negotiations and attempt to push the package through before the summer break.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock/Mircea Moira
