Russia skillfully celebrates European sanctions. But Vladimir Putin's regime himself is not enough. And here the third countries enter the game, among others China, United Arab Emirates, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, which help Russia to avoid EU sanctions.
Brussels, however, does not want to passively watch Russian actions and therefore prepares another packet of sanctions. This time they will also cover companies from outside Russia. 19. The package of sanctions was presented by the European Commission in mid -September. On Friday, September 27, diplomats of the Member States discussed him in the EU Council.
We talked about the 19th Package of Sanctions with an expert on European policy and publisher of the Euctiv portal, Radovan Geist. – this is a continuation of previous EU efforts aimed at Cutting out the Putin regime from the sources of financing military aggression to Ukraine. The nature of the case and the need for unanimous consent of the Member States mean that European sanctions are gradual, imposed in stages, often slower and less than necessary – explains the expert.
Regular introduction of anti -Russian funds also has another aspect. – It is necessary Constant breaking of the resistance of governments that are occupied by pro -Russian positions Or they benefit from interests with Russia, including Słowacki. A more significant change is that the sanction package also includes the import of Russian LNG – explains Geist.
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Robert Fico has already suggested that Slovakia does not have to agree to the package. Sanctions are unanimously approved by the EU foreign council, therefore The application will not be accepted without the consent of Bratislava.
“Time to turn off the tap”
Brussels wants to significantly increase the number of companies outside Russia that will not be able to trade with 27 EU members. In this way, he wants to prevent Moscow from being circumvented the rules. Sanctions should also include 120 new tankers, which probably belong to the so -called shadow fleetstransporting Russian fossil fuels and used by the Kremlin to celebrate the ceiling of oil prices. The bans are also to cover several banks, companies and energy enterprises.
Politico reached the annex project until the 19th Sanctions Package. The findings show that the Union wants to sanctions companies operating in the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. According to the portal The number of Chinese companies covered by the package is currently “limited”, but this may change during negotiations.
Among entities whose activities may be banned in the Union, there are nine banks, two oil -trading companies, special economic zones, the International Cryptocurrency Exchange, and even the digital currency regulated outside Russia.
According to the chairwoman of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen from last Friday It is to be 45 companies from Russia and third countries. – We aim at market gaps, which Russia uses to celebrate sanctions. We are banned from transactions for subsequent Russian banks and banks from third countries – she said during a press conference on sanctions against Russia.
The sanctions proposed by the European Commission are also aimed at removal of Russian liquefied natural gas from the European market. “It's time to turn off the tap,” said von der Leyen at the end of last week about the proposed means.
Robert Fico is blackmailing Brussels
If the Slovak prime minister decided to block the sanctions package, it would not be the first time. Bratislava was already blocked by the approval of the previous package at the beginning of summer. The Slovak Prime Minister made support for the package dependent on the changes in the Repower EU projectwhich assumes cutting off 27 European Union countries from Russian energy. Ultimately, however, Slovakia supported sanctions after the conclusion of an agreement with Member States.
Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, and Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, welcome to the European Council. Brussels, March 20, 2025EPA / Olivier Hoslet / PAP
The former Minister of Investment and Regional Development Peter Balik recently informed the Aktality.sk portal, which Fico was to negotiate in exchange for the abolition of a veto in the EU Council. – There are high -level political agreements between our Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission, according to which some EU funds will be allocated to energy assistance – said a former member of the Slovak government.
Also on the occasion of the current project of sanctions, Fico implements a similar strategy. Calls for reduction of electricity prices in Europe. – I will not support any 19. Until the European Commission presents proposals to support the automotive industry and energy prices in Europe. First of all, it is about the price of electricity in Europe, which, according to many experts, can be set at a level that will help us in Europe, not one that ruins us – said the Slovak prime minister on Thursday. However, he did not specify how it could be reduced.
Fico also commented on Thursday the possibility of suspending liquefied gas transit from Russia, which is part of the package. It is the US President Donald Trump that presses on Europe to buy gas from the USA. Trump claims that European countries must do this to stop the war in Ukraine. – I understand that President Trump does what every politician should do: protect the national interests of his country. Well, if someone tells me to stop using Russian gas, and we don't have an alternative where we will get it? What now? The prime minister asked.
Radovan Geist thinks that It is not yet clear what exactly Robert Fico will want in exchange for the support of the Sanctions Package. – The Commission will not now block plans for complete cut off from Russian energy, especially since it is also a demand from the US – he notes and adds that the Commission even wants to speed up this process.
– Our [słowacki] The government already has the opportunity to spend European money, which was to be allocated to investments in the future, on ineffective, mass or almost mass energy support – sums up the analyst.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
