EU still unable to agree on extending Russia sanctions
EU ambassadors have failed to agree on extending sanctions against Russian nationals during their meeting on March 13, Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported, citing a senior EU diplomat.
The current package of EU restrictions expires March 15.
“Yesterday’s meeting was postponed, today’s started late, and I think it will be a pretty tough discussion [tomorrow],” the source said.
Despite the differences, negotiations continue. Ambassadors are scheduled to meet again on March 14. Hungary’s demand to remove several individuals from the sanctions list has emerged as the key sticking point, with one or two other member states reportedly voicing similar conditions.
“If you look at the names, it’s obvious that Hungary has some financial reasons,” the diplomat said.
Another source said the assets frozen by the existing sanctions include significant sums of money, real estate, yachts, and other property.
Most EU countries support maintaining the sanctions to maximize pressure on Russia, but even minor changes could jeopardize the entire package.
“As I understand it, there might be a Plan B: One option is to try a qualified majority vote — 15 of 27 members representing at least 65 percent of the EU’s population — or to reach unanimous agreement on one hand,” the source added.
“On the other hand, different parts of the sanctions system, such as asset freezes and entry bans, might be considered separately.”
The EU last extended individual sanctions against persons threatening Ukraine’s territorial integrity on Sept. 12, 2024, through March 15, 2025.
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