A number of EU countries have achieved a softening of the new sanctions package against Russia
Kyiv • UNN
Germany, France and Portugal opposed the ban on imports of Russian pollock, while Greece blocked stricter restrictions on gas transit. The sanctions did not affect Patriarch Kirill due to Bulgaria's position.
Several European Union countries have secured a softening of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, resulting in the exclusion of a number of restrictions initially proposed by the European Commission. This is reported by Spiegel, writes UNN.
Details
The publication notes that this is the first sanctions package adopted after the change of government in Hungary. Despite the absence of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who was often previously accused of blocking tough decisions, the new restrictions still turned out to be milder than planned.
Disputes over fish and Russian gas
According to Spiegel, Germany advocated for easing restrictions on the import of Russian pollock. Part of the food industry warned that sanctions could lead to a reduction in production and increased costs for producers of frozen fish products.
As a result, it was decided not to ban the import of Russian pollock into the EU. Similar concerns were expressed by France, which also depends on pollock supplies, and Portugal, for which cod supplies are important.
Another point of contention was the transit of Russian liquefied natural gas. According to the publication, Greece blocked stricter restrictions, arguing that they posed risks to the European economy and the competitiveness of its shipping companies.
As a result, EU countries agreed to leave an exception for contracts between European and Russian companies concluded before the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. This provision will be reviewed annually.
Sanctions did not affect Patriarch Kirill
Also, sanctions were not imposed against the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill. According to Spiegel, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev threatened to block the relevant decision, stating that religion should not be dragged into politics.
At the same time, the 21st sanctions package provides for new restrictions against the Russian financial sector and defense industry, as well as an expansion of sanctions lists regarding vessels of the so-called Russian "shadow fleet" and several oil refineries. In addition, the EU has frozen the price cap on Russian oil for the next 12 months.