Germany faces backlash over new Russia sanctions
EU foreign ministers have finally passed the new Russia sanctions, albeit with a considerable delay. The hold-up can be attributed to Germany, and even this decision doesn't completely appease everyone. Once again, these sanctions fall short of the desired intensity, according to Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis. His Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, expresses that it's always tough to achieve a consensus on new sanctions within the European Union.
Previously, this has primarily been due to Hungary's links with Russia. But now, the German government is hindering stricter rules aimed at preventing sanctions evasion through third countries. The EU Commission had aimed to penalize European companies if they transported prohibited goods to Russia through subsidiaries in nations like Kazakhstan. Yet, Berlin objected, claiming that these measures would hurt Germany, as the largest EU export nation, more than Russia. Currently, companies are only expected to make "reasonable attempts" to avoid sanctions violations.
As the 14th sanctions package since the Russian aggression war in February 2022, the EU is restricting trade with Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Europe for the first time. Despite calls for an import ban, no such action is planned. Instead, the EU will ban the refueling of Russian LNG in European ports. EU investments in Russian LNG projects are also set to end.
Furthermore, restrictions have been imposed on financial transactions: The use of the Russian financial transaction system SPFS by EU companies outside of Russia is prohibited. Moreover, the EU is adding 116 individuals responsible for the aggression against Ukraine to its sanctions list, and they will face travel bans.
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Despite Germany's objections, these new sanctions against Russia will still include prohibiting EU companies from using the Russian financial transaction system SPFS outside Russia. Furthermore, the Attack on Ukraine continues to prompt additional sanctions, with 116 individuals responsible for the aggression now being added to the EU's sanctions list.
