EU adopts twelfth package of sanctions against Russia
Almost 22 months after the start of the Russian attack on the EU, the EU is clearing the way for a twelfth package of sanctions. Among other things, it includes a ban on the import of diamonds and is intended to tighten the price cap on Russian oil exports, which has hardly had any effect recently.
The EU states have agreed on new sanctions against Russia. A spokeswoman for EU Council President Charles Michel confirmed in the evening that the 27 summit participants in Brussels had given the green light for a further package of punitive measures. This is to be formalized in a written procedure in the course of Friday.
The package therefore provides for an import ban on diamonds. In addition, the price cap on Russian oil exports to third countries, which has hardly had any effect recently, is to be tightened. Trade restrictions on certain goods are also planned. This could affect the export of machines that can be used for the production of ammunition. Punitive measures are also planned against individuals and organizations that support the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
Belgium gives up resistance
Unlike the UK, the EU has not yet imposed an import ban on diamonds from Russia. For a long time, this was mainly due to resistance from Belgium, where the Flemish port city of Antwerp has been one of the most important diamond centers in the world since the 16th century. Russia, in turn, is considered the world's largest producer of rough diamonds. In 2021, the state diamond miner Alrosa had revenues of 332 billion roubles (around 3.41 billion euros).
In addition to the economic sanctions, according to EU information, sanctions are planned against more than 100 other individuals and organizations that support the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. They would then no longer be able to dispose of assets held in the EU. The individuals concerned would also no longer be allowed to enter the EU. They are to come from the Russian military, defense and IT sectors, for example.
The last sanctions package to date came into force in June. It included, for example, an instrument to prevent the circumvention of sanctions that had already been imposed. A far-reaching ban on imports of crude oil, coal, steel, gold and luxury goods as well as punitive measures against banks and financial institutions have been in place for some time.
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Source: www.ntv.de
