EU Sanctions Against Russia: A Divided Europe
After fraught negotiations, the EU Commission has decided on its 21st sanctions package against Russia. Restrictions on the Russian financial sector will be further tightened and the “price cap” on crude oil exports will remain at a low of $44 per barrel. But individual countries intervened to block numerous proposals to sanction fish imports, LNG transportation, and entry requirements for tourists, among others.
The protracted negotiations are a cause for concern for die Zeit (Germany), which notes that competing national interests play a role in the drafting of sanctions. Weeks of wrangling over concessions have left EU member states divided and flattened by sanction fatigue. The image they present will certainly appeal to Putin: that of a Europe which, five years into this war, is primarily focused on the individual interests of its member states.
Sanction Fatigue Sets In
The willingness of European governments to impose sanctions seems to be exhausted. As die Zeit points out, this package of sanctions could well be the last. For where else can measures be found that inflict sufficient damage on Russia without being too painful for Europe? The haggling has been fierce, Latvia’s TVNet comments: “After four years of war and 20 rounds of sanctions, it is no longer possible to impose new restrictions without them also impacting major European companies and entire economic sectors.”
No More Hiding Behind Orbán’s Veto
The proposed entry ban on anyone who has fought for Russia against Ukraine was not included in this package. European Pravda (Ukraine) explains why: “France, Italy, and – less openly – a string of other coastal states have flatly refused to address the issue as part of the package of sanctions against Russia – on the grounds that it would have to be implemented by changing Schengen regulations.” But their real motive had little to do with legal concerns and was more about delaying a decision that would further impede the influx of Russian tourists, which has already been declining since the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia Cuts Funding for Putin’s Flagship Technology Projects
Russia has reduced funding for several of Vladimir Putin’s flagship technology development projects in 2025 as the government redirects resources to sustain record military spending. This move is a significant shift in the country’s priorities, highlighting the ongoing focus on national security and defense.
Original Article: New EU Sanctions Against Russia — Kyivpost