Estonia announces tough new EU sanctions package against Russia: focus on energy

The European Union has begun preparing the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, which could be one of the toughest in the entire history of a full-scale war. This was stated by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, ERR reports.

According to the head of the foreign ministry, the key emphasis of the new restrictions will be placed on Russian energy carriers. At the same time, he stressed that Europe should use the political changes in Hungary to make the decisions necessary for further support for Ukraine.

In particular, this concerns the change of power after the many years of rule of Viktor Orban and the arrival of Peter Magyar and his political force “Tisa” to the country’s leadership, which, according to European diplomats, may affect the coordination of sanctions policy within the EU.

“The 20th package of sanctions has already been adopted, the 21st is being prepared, and it will be quite tough, especially regarding energy,” Tsahkna emphasized.

Recall that on April 23, the EU Council approved the 20th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, which includes more than 100 individual restrictions, increased pressure on the energy sector and the so-called “shadow fleet”, as well as additional measures against financial institutions in third countries and companies supporting the Russian military-industrial complex.

At the same time, the European Union approved changes to the long-term budget for 2021–2027, which provide for the provision of up to 90 billion euros in credit support to Ukraine in 2026–2027.

It is expected that the new sanctions package will become an important tool for further economic pressure on Russia and will strengthen energy restrictions, which remain one of the key areas of the EU’s sanctions policy.