European Union Rejects Russia's 18th Sanction Package, The Ball Is Now In Slovakia's Hands

UNSPLASH/Waldemar ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Head of EU Foreign Policy (EU) Kaja Kallas said the EU did not approve Russia's 18th sanction package on Tuesday, after a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

As reported by Reuters on Tuesday, July 15, Kaja Kallas said the "sad" sanctions were not approved, but hoped the deal would be reached on Wednesday, saying the decision was in Slovakia's hands.

Slovakia has blocked the European Union's latest sanctions package to concerns over a separate EU proposal to phase out Russia's gas imports by January 1, 2028.

Sources told Reuters on Monday all packet elements had been agreed upon, although one member state still had doubts about lower pricing limits for Russian oil.

The European Commission last month proposed a package of 18th sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, aimed at Moscow's energy revenue, its banking and its military industry.

The new package proposes banning transactions with Russia's Nord Stream gas pipeline, as well as banks involved in sanctions avoidance.

The package also proposed a 15% floating price limit for Russian oil below the average crude oil market price in the previous three months, EU diplomats said.