EU ambassadors have failed to approve the 18th package of sanctions against Russia due to opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, according to Suspilne. This is the first time Slovakia has attempted to block EU sanctions, differing from Hungary, which has consistently resisted such measures. The stalled proposal includes restrictions on Russia’s energy, banking, and Nord Stream gas pipeline sectors.
Slovakia has requested that the adoption of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia be postponed until a decision is made on the consequences for member states from the RePowerEU initiative, which aims to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2030. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico voiced this proposal during the EU summit, according to the Slovak Foreign Ministry. Meanwhile, ambassadors have agreed to extend existing sectoral sanctions against Russia for an additional six months, covering a broad array of economic areas, including trade, finance, technology, and luxury goods.
The 18th package of sanctions, announced by the European Commission in June, targets the Russian energy and banking sectors and transactions related to the Nord Stream gas pipeline project. Ukraine’s European allies are tightening sanctions against Russia as Moscow refuses to accept a ceasefire. However, no new U.S. sanctions have been imposed on Russia thus far. The stalled sanctions highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics within the EU, with member states balancing support for Ukraine with economic interests and regional alliances.
The decision to extend sanctions underscores the EU’s commitment to countering Russian aggression, despite the internal divisions. The stalled proposal may be revisited in future meetings as the EU seeks to coordinate its response to Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine. This development reflects the broader challenges of maintaining unity among member states while pursuing a cohesive foreign policy agenda.
As the situation evolves, the EU will continue to assess the effectiveness of its sanctions and their impact on both Russia and its own economic landscape. The outcome of this decision could influence future diplomatic efforts and the overall strategy to address the conflict in Ukraine. For now, the stalled sanctions represent a setback in the EU’s efforts to impose greater pressure on Russia amid the ongoing conflict.