Kallas announces significant expansion of EU sanctions against Russia

The EU has repeatedly expanded its sanctions against Russia since the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Previous measures include, among others, trade restrictions, price caps for Russian oil exports, as well as sanctions against individual persons and organizations. With each new round, additional sectors and actors were added to the list.

Observers in Brussels point out that a tightening of sanctions in the EU requires unanimity or at least qualified majorities among the member states. Individual governments had been reserved in the past when it came to new punitive measures.

Hurdles in decision-making

The discussion comes at a phase in which the EU has simultaneously steadied its support for Ukraine. According to the EU High Representative, the expansion of sanctions is part of a broader approach that links military aid, financial support, and diplomatic initiatives.

In addition to the sanctions plans, other foreign policy topics were on the agenda at the meeting in Brussels. These included deliberations on the peace process in the Middle East as well as the situation in other conflict regions. The sanctions debate was, however, highlighted as the politically most weighty project of the meeting.

Effects on third states

According to the assessment of diplomats, the expansion of sanctions is likely to have effects on third states that have so far maintained business relationships with Russia. The EU has long been pushing for ways to be found to prevent circumvention transactions via third countries.

With the announcement, the EU High Representative increases the pressure on the member states to agree on common positions before the next EU summit. A decision is still being sought this quarter, with preparations reportedly already underway at the technical level according to participants.

The EU High Representative also pointed to the importance of a united European response. In view of the ongoing Russian aggression, a common approach by the member states is urgently required, it was said from her circle.

Representatives of the EU Commission had repeatedly stressed in recent weeks that Russia is increasingly circumventing the sanctions better. The new measures are intended to counteract this development.