Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the proposal for the EU’s 19th sanctions package on Friday, though she did not provide many specific details.
According to Beata Płomecka, Polish Radio’s Brussels correspondent, a key element of the latest sanctions is targeting the energy sector, including a ban on Russian LNG imports.
Brussels also plans to restrict exports to Russia, including household appliances such as freezers, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers and toasters, as well as electronic toys containing components that could be used in the military industry.
The list of companies subject to transaction bans has also expanded to 12 firms across the energy, maritime, aviation and automotive sectors, including Rosneft and Gazpromneft.
In addition to economic sanctions, the EU will maintain a blacklist banning entry to the bloc and freezing assets in Europe. The Commission has proposed adding 14 more individuals, nine of whom are responsible for forcibly “Russifying” Ukrainian children and indoctrinating them in military cadet schools. The blacklist will also include 19 companies.
More details emerged during the UN session in New York.
EU seeks to speed up end of Russian oil imports
After meeting with US President Donald Trump, von der Leyen said the European Commission wants to accelerate the EU’s exit from Russian oil imports.
Earlier the same day, Trump criticized the EU for continuing to buy Russian energy.
For the first time, von der Leyen confirmed that Brussels is working on regulations that could end Russian oil imports sooner than the originally planned 2027 deadline.
Following Trump’s remarks at the 80th UN General Assembly, in which he suggested that the US is ready to impose strong sanctions on Russia if NATO countries do the same and stop buying Russian oil, von der Leyen said: "Trump is absolutely right. We are working on it."
She noted that EU countries have already significantly reduced Russian gas supplies, completely phased out Russian coal, and cut oil imports.
Von der Leyen added that the European Commission plans to impose tariffs on oil deliveries that still reach the EU and is committed to eliminating the remaining oil and gas imports from Russia.
According to von der Leyen, every payment to Russia continues to finance the war machine, which is unacceptable.
The politician also pointed out that, regarding oil, only Slovakia and Hungary still import it from Russia via the Druzhba pipeline.
Both countries have exemptions from EU sanctions and are unwilling to give them up. Because new sanctions require unanimity among EU member states, the Commission is considering tariffs, which would only need majority approval.
(mp)
Source: IAR/PR24/X/@bplomecka/@BloombergTV