EU Sanctions Package Faces Opposition from Member States

The European Union (EU) is currently working on its 20th sanctions package aimed at penalizing Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine. This package includes measures targeting foreign ports and banks that facilitate the illicit sale of Russian oil. However, the proposal is encountering significant resistance from several EU member states, potentially undermining its effectiveness. Key nations such as Italy, Hungary, Greece, and Malta have expressed concerns about specific sanctions, particularly those affecting the Kulevi port in Georgia and a bank in Cuba.

BloombergEurasianetHungary Threatens to Delay EU’s 20th Russia Sanctions Package

Italy and Hungary have raised objections regarding the sanctions on Kulevi port, which is crucial for oil shipments and also imports gas from Azerbaijan, a vital energy source for Europe. Similarly, Greece and Malta have shown hesitance towards sanctions on a port in Indonesia. Additionally, Italy and Spain are contesting penalties on a Cuban bank that is essential for foreign currency transactions on the island. The hesitance of these countries could delay the approval of the sanctions package, which requires unanimous support from all 27 EU member states.

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The proposed sanctions aim to further diminish Russia's oil revenue, a critical financial resource for its military operations in Ukraine. The European Commission has indicated that the sanctions could replace the existing Russian oil price cap with a ban on maritime services, contingent on support from the Group of Seven (G7) nations. However, the U.S. has been non-committal on this aspect, complicating the EU's strategy.

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Georgia's government has denied any involvement in facilitating Russian oil exports through the Kulevi port. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated, “We don’t think there’s anything going on there that goes against the sanctions policy.” Azerbaijani state-controlled media have also criticized the sanctions as unjustified, suggesting they distract from the real culprits in the shadow fleet, which they claim are companies from Greece and Malta.

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Kyrgyzstan, another country facing potential sanctions for exporting technologies that could aid Russia's military, has also voiced its opposition. Daniyar Amangeldiev, Kyrgyzstan's first deputy chairman, argued that the EU's actions unfairly target his country and emphasized that the trade increases were due to private companies rather than state policies.

BloombergHungary Threatens to Delay EU’s 20th Russia Sanctions PackageEurasianet

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is pushing for the sanctions to be finalized by February 24, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, ongoing negotiations among member states, particularly concerning Hungary's demands to delist certain Russian officials, could delay the process. The EU's ability to implement these sanctions effectively hinges on overcoming the current resistance from member states and achieving a consensus.

Hungary Threatens to Delay EU’s 20th Russia Sanctions Package

• “We don’t think there’s anything going on there that goes against the sanctions policy,” — Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia

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• “It’s not unified intentional policies of the state agencies. If we get proof of wrongdoings, the companies will be punished and restricted.” — Daniyar Amangeldiev, First Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers

Bloomberg

The EU's latest sanctions package represents one of its most comprehensive efforts to curb Russian aggression, but the internal divisions among member states pose significant challenges to its implementation.

Hungary Threatens to Delay EU’s 20th Russia Sanctions Package