Green light for new EU sanctions against Russia. The last opposing state dropped its objections

European Union states have approved the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, the Danish presidency of the EU Council announced on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

“We are very pleased to announce that we have just been notified by the remaining member state that it is now in a position to lift its reservation on the 19th sanctions package,” the statement said.

Slovakia was the last hurdle to adoption after EU countries agreed on the final text last week. Prime Minister Robert Fico wanted assurances from the European Commission regarding the issue of prices in the energy sector and the alignment of climate goals with the needs of car manufacturers and heavy industry.

A Slovakian diplomat said the country's demands had been met by the new clauses added to the final communique for the EU leaders' summit on Thursday.

“Accordingly, a written procedure for the approval of the Council has been launched. If no objections are received, the package will be adopted tomorrow by 8:00 a.m.,” added the Danish presidency of the EU Council.

The ban on Russian liquefied natural gas will take effect in two stages: short-term contracts will end after six months, and long-term contracts will end on January 1, 2027. Thus, the full ban will take place a year earlier than the European Commission's roadmap to end the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

The new package also introduces new travel restrictions for Russian diplomats and lists 117 more ships from Moscow's “shadow fleet”, which consists mainly of oil tankers, bringing the total to 558.