Representatives of EU countries have yet to agree on 15th package of sanctions against Russia

Brussels, 6 December (ČTK correspondent) – Representatives of EU member states failed to agree today on the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, diplomatic sources told ČTK. Lithuania and Latvia opposed the version presented, and talks are continuing. The sanctions are expected to be approved by the end of the year and to include further restrictions on individuals and companies involved in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. They are also expected to target the so-called shadow fleet of foreign vessels transporting Russian oil products.

The 15th package of sanctions against Russia was discussed at today’s meeting of the so-called Coreper, a gathering of EU ambassadors in Brussels. The new restrictions are expected to apply, for example, to individuals involved in Russia’s bombing of Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt children’s hospital. The sanctions are also set to target companies that continue to import dual-use goods into Russia. Further restrictions are expected to target the Russian shadow fleet.

The package also includes an extension of the so-called Czech exemption from the European ban on imports of Russian oil products, although Prague did not seek one. The ban on supplies of products made from Russian oil was approved earlier as part of the sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia over its aggression against Ukraine. In addition to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary were also granted exemptions from the ban.

The exemption expired on 5 December, and the Czech Ministry of Industry said at the end of November that „the Czech Republic sees no reason why the exemption should be extended“. The exemption was therefore not included in the original proposal at all. However, according to ČTK sources, Slovakia secured its inclusion in the text, saying it was an issue important „for the region’s energy security“. The European Commission therefore reinserted the exemption in the next version, and none of the EU member states has a problem with it.

MEPs also called in mid-November for more targeted sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet. They say the fleet is a key source of funding for Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. In a resolution, members of the European Parliament called on EU member states to strengthen all inspections and step up monitoring using drones and satellites.

Russia uses old tankers to export oil and oil products abroad, often without insurance and with unclear ownership, despite sanctions imposed by the EU, the G7 and other international bodies. These activities also raise concerns about the risk of environmental disasters, including major oil spills.