Kaja Kallas promises largest EU sanctions package against Russia

Monday 17 - 10:32

By: Azzat Manal

Kaja Kallas promises largest EU sanctions package against Russia

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has announced plans to propose what she describes as the bloc's largest package of sanctions against Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

In an interview with the German newspaper Welt, Kallas said she intends to present the new measures in the autumn. If approved by EU member states, the proposed sanctions list could be around 30% larger than previous packages.

The announcement comes shortly after the European Union adopted its 21st sanctions package on July 23. The latest measures included additional restrictions targeting Russian financial institutions, actions aimed at vessels involved in transporting Russian oil and an extension of the existing oil price cap mechanism.

The European sanctions policy has focused on limiting Russia's ability to finance its military activities while placing pressure on sectors considered strategically important to the Russian economy. Previous measures have targeted banking, energy, technology, trade and individuals and organizations linked to the Russian state.

Kallas's latest proposal suggests that the EU intends to maintain and potentially intensify economic pressure on Moscow despite the challenges involved in securing consensus among the bloc's member states.

A new package would require approval by EU governments before coming into force. Its final scope and the sectors or entities targeted will therefore depend on negotiations between member states and the European institutions.

The planned initiative comes as European governments continue to debate how best to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia while managing the economic consequences of prolonged sanctions.

If adopted, the new measures would represent another significant step in the EU's continuing sanctions strategy and could further restrict Russia's access to international markets, financial services and strategic technologies.