The European Commission (EC) will begin consultations with EU countries on January 14 regarding the next package of sanctions against Russia. Several diplomats of the political association told the Polish radio station RMF 24 about this.
According to the radio station, Poland, which holds the EU presidency, wants the package of restrictions to be adopted by February 24, 2025. At the same time, it is noted that the preparation of new restrictions may encounter a number of difficulties since EU diplomats believe that a certain “ceiling” in decision-making has been reached.
In addition, resistance is expected from countries such as Hungary and Slovakia.
As follows from the text, the EC is considering restrictions that will have the same effect as sanctions but will not require unanimity in decision-making. For example, increasing tariffs on certain goods from Russia and Belarus. At the same time, Poland, together with a group of Scandinavian and Baltic countries, has already submitted its proposals for the 16th package of sanctions, RMF 24 notes.
On January 10, the United States imposed sanctions against approximately 100 vessels involved in the transportation of hydrocarbons from Russia, as well as those associated with Sovcomflot and Gazpromneft.
The restrictions also affected 30 Russian companies, including OFS Technologies, Achimgaz, Gazprom Shelfproekt, Atlas NNB, FrakJet-Volga, Investgeoservice, Naftagaz-Burenie, Petro Welt Technologies, TNG-Group, UDS Neft and other oilfield service companies.
Earlier it became known that the lifting of US sanctions against Russia could become part of the deal on Ukraine.
