EU's new sanctions target Russian propaganda and energy sector
The European Union is preparing its 16th package of sanctions against Russia, set to be adopted on February 24th, the third anniversary of the full invasion of Ukraine, reported the German newspaper "Welt am Sonntag," citing sources within the EU administration. It was revealed that the restrictions will target individuals involved in propaganda.
The European Union plans to introduce another package of sanctions against Russia, the 16th in total, scheduled for adoption on February 24th. As reported by "Welt am Sonntag" on Sunday, the measures will focus on people and organizations involved in the hybrid war and Russian regime propaganda, which undermine Ukraine's territorial integrity.
EU prepares another package of sanctions against Russia
The new sanctions are aimed at targeting sectors of the Russian economy that have not been sufficiently addressed thus far. The European Commission and the European External Action Service also plan to impose entry bans and asset freezes on individuals spying for Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed opposition to further sanctions, preferring to wait for Donald Trump to take office. It was only in mid-December that the EU adopted the 15th package of sanctions, which included a ban on port access for the Russian shadow fleet, aimed at effectively bypassing the restrictions.
Ten EU countries have called on the European Commission to consider a joint proposal, urgently work on the sanctions package against Russia, and develop similar restrictions for Belarus, which is allied with Moscow. This involves tightening the existing regulations. The primary focus is on targeting the Russian energy sector.
Countries, mainly from Central Europe and Ireland, emphasized that it is necessary to implement a ban on the import of Russian gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as soon as possible. If this proves unfeasible, the document's signatories suggested that, as an alternative, the gradual reduction of Russian gas and LNG consumption should follow the plan outlined in the EU's RePower strategy. "Regardless, targeted sanctions should cover the Russian fleet transporting LNG. This entails a ban on port entry and the use of other maritime services," the document stated.
