Decisions on sanctions are the responsibility of the member states. EU ambassadors will meet tomorrow to discuss the issue.
The European Commission is proposing a ban on imports of Russian coal. The ban would be part of the latest package of sanctions, which it is up to the Member States to decide.
The President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyenin according to the new sanctions package would be six-part. In addition to a ban on coal imports, this would include measures against Russian banks, the closure of EU ports by Russian vessels, new export and import bans and a number of other targeted measures.
According to Von der Leyen, the ban on coal imports will deprive Russia of one major source of revenue, amounting to about € 4 billion a year.
Prior to this, the EU has not intervened in its sanctions on Russian imported energy. In addition to coal, Russia sells natural gas and oil to Europe.
However, moving away from Russian fossil energy has been a difficult issue, as some EU countries are quite dependent on Russian energy. For example, 40% of the Union’s natural gas comes from Russia.
According to Von der Leyen, in addition to the proposals now published, the Commission is preparing further measures, including a ban on oil imports.
Prior to the publication of the Commission proposal, the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had time to comment that the latest sanctions package would include both coal and oil.
“France and Germany are working together to define a new package to include oil and coal,” Le Drian told AFP.
The pressure is increased
New sanctions had been prepared in the past, but the pressure to impose them has increased in recent days due to, among other things, the atrocities uncovered in the city of Butshan.
EU ambassadors are due to discuss new sanctions tomorrow in Brussels.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has imposed four comprehensive packages of sanctions on Russia. The targets of the sanctions have included Russian oligarchs, Russian banks and various export products.
Sanctions are aimed at putting pressure on Russia to end hostilities.
Mr von der Leyen, who spoke today, emphasized the importance of maintaining strong pressure on the Russian leadership at this critical juncture.
According to him, the tangible effects of the previous four escape packages are visible, and the Kremlin’s political and economic space has narrowed.
– But clearly in the light of (recent) events, we need to increase the pressure further, von der Leyen said.
The new package expands and sharpens previous sanctions. According to Von der Leyen, the goal is to hit the Russian economy deeper and deeper.
Sanctions on ships and banks
Under the Commission’s proposal, EU ports would be closed to both Russian vessels and vessels operated by Russian operators. The ban would include certain exceptions, for example for agricultural and food products.
In addition, the Commission is proposing a ban on Russian and Belarusian road hauliers.
– This ban will radically limit the ability of Russian industry to procure key products, von der Leyen said.
With regard to banks, the Commission is proposing a total ban on transactions for four Russian banks. According to Von der Leyen, these banks would include VTB, the second largest bank in Russia.
The new export bans would extend to, for example, quantum technology and advanced semiconductors.
Among other measures, the EU would, among other things, prohibit Russian companies from participating in tenders for public projects in EU countries. According to Von der Leyen, there is a need to ensure that no form of tax money flows from the EU to Russia.
The Commission is also proposing to extend the sanctions lists, ie to add names to previous lists.