The EU approved new sanctions against Russia

On Thursday, June 20, the European Union adopted a new, 14th package of sanctions against Russia, which is aimed at strengthening the response to Russian aggression against Ukraine. This was announced during a meeting of the EU Council under the chairmanship of Belgium.

According to the announcement, the new sanctions package includes targeted measures and aims to maximize the effectiveness of existing restrictions, including closing possible loopholes.

Over the course of a month, officials from all 27 EU member states discussed the introduction of new restrictions. Among them is a ban on the transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), which several EU countries continue to import, despite the protracted war in Ukraine.

According to Reuters, the day before the decision on a new package of sanctions was blocked by Germany. Previously, it was planned to include a provision on "Russia's ban" on subsidiaries in third countries, but this clause was excluded due to German opposition.

Hungary also opposed the adoption of new sanctions, believing that they are against the country's national interests.

The European Union continues to improve the mechanisms of sanctions pressure on Russia, responding to the events in the east of Ukraine and supporting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The new restrictions reflect growing tensions in European-Russian relations and the EU's intention to strengthen support for member countries suffering the consequences of the conflict.