EU envoys fail to agree on 21st Russia sanctions package
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European Union envoys failed to reach an agreement on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, an EU diplomat told Reuters on Wednesday. The deadlock leaves the sanctions package in limbo, with no new date set for further discussions.
The Deadlock
EU envoys failed to agree on the 21st sanctions package against Russia during a meeting on Wednesday, according to an EU diplomat. The disagreement centers on proposed restrictions targeting Russian liquefied natural gas and aluminum exports, as well as measures to tighten the oil price cap. Several member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, have raised objections, blocking consensus.
Key Sticking Points
The proposed package includes new import bans on Russian aluminum and LNG, valued at approximately €4 billion annually. Additionally, it seeks to lower the G7 oil price cap from $60 to $50 per barrel. Diplomats say Hungary demands exemptions for its energy imports, while Slovakia seeks guarantees for its nuclear fuel supplies.
Previous Packages
The EU has adopted 20 sanctions packages since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, progressively targeting sectors from finance to energy. The 20th package, approved in February 2026, included measures against Russian diamond imports and further export controls. Each round has required unanimous approval from all 27 member states, a process that has grown increasingly contentious.
What's Next
The European Commission is expected to propose revised language in the coming days to address member state concerns. It remains unclear whether a compromise can be reached before the summer break, with some diplomats warning that the package may be delayed until September.
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EU envoys fail to agree on 21st Russia sanctions package
