Six EU countries block 21st package of sanctions against Russia: demand exceptions for their businesses

Six European Union countries have opposed the adoption of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia and are demanding a review or relaxation of some of the proposed restrictions. These are Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Portugal.

This was reported by the Financial Times.

Since the approval of the sanctions package requires unanimous support from all EU member states, the position of these countries could significantly delay or even jeopardize its adoption.

According to European diplomats, governments in a number of countries are increasingly trying to protect the interests of national companies and individual sectors of the economy. Previously, EU countries were ready to agree to significant economic losses in order to increase sanctions pressure on Moscow, but now this position is gradually changing.

What exceptions are the countries demanding

Greece opposes the ban on the transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas to third countries. Athens fears that the new restrictions will cause serious damage to Greek shipping companies and allow competitors from the United States, China and Japan to take their market share.

Germany and Portugal, in turn, object to restrictions on Russian fish imports. These countries seek to protect their own processing industries, which depend on the supply of raw materials.

France, Italy and Austria also insist on exceptions for certain sectors of the economy and companies that may suffer losses if new sanctions are introduced.

There is no unity among EU countries yet

The head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, previously confirmed that the European Union countries have not yet managed to reach an agreement on a new package of restrictions. Negotiations are ongoing, but ambassadors of member states have already failed to agree on the document several times due to the lack of unanimity.

Amid another massive Russian missile attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called on international partners to increase sanctions pressure on Moscow and accelerate the supply of additional air defense equipment to Ukraine.