The European Union is nearing the approval of yet another, the 19th sanctions package against the Russian Federation. A decision is expected to be made at the EU leaders’ summit on October 23, as Slovakia insists on discussing this issue at the highest level.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Restrictions for Russian diplomats
As part of the new sanctions package, EU countries have agreed to tighten rules for the movement of Russian diplomats within the bloc. From now on, Russian diplomats working in the capitals of the European Union will be required to notify the governments of other member states in advance of their intentions to visit other countries before crossing the border of their host country.
“An agreement has finally been reached on restricting the movement of Russian diplomats after Hungary lifted its veto, but the entire sanctions package can only be approved at the summit on October 23, as Slovakia wants a discussion at the highest level.”
This initiative, which is actively supported by the Czech Republic, is part of the EU’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For the package to be finally approved, unanimous consent from all member states is required, and recently Hungary, which had long blocked the agreement, lifted its veto.
Key elements of the new sanctions package
The European Commission presented the main points of the 19th sanctions package on September 19. Among the most important decisions is the proposal to completely phase out imports of Russian gas starting in 2027, although this step was previously planned for the end of the same year. In addition, the new restrictions include sanctions against another 118 vessels of the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russia, which are used to circumvent existing restrictions.
The approval of this package will be another step by the EU to increase pressure on the Russian Federation and support Ukraine.