Embargo on Russian energies: after oil, the EU delays on gas
After struggling to agree on an oil embargo against Moscow, the EU hesitated on Tuesday to consider sanctions targeting Russian gas on which it is even more dependent. The sixth sanctions package “is a big step forward. And I think we should take a break now”said Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on his arrival for the second day of the summit of EU heads of state and government in Brussels.
The leaders of the Twenty-Seven reached an agreement on Monday evening which should make it possible to reduce their imports of Russian oil by some 90% by the end of the year in order to dry up the financing of the war led by Moscow in Ukraine . “This package, let’s put it into practice first (…). Gas is much more complicated. It is therefore an important step. Let’s stop there for now and see what the impact is”pleaded Mr. De Croo.
In terms of penalties, “the big piece on energy is in place and working”said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, now displaying other priorities. “Now that we have put in place the structure on the energy element, it is important in my opinion that we target the economic and financial sectors” of Russia. The oil embargo required a month of negotiation to resolve the difficulties posed to Hungary and Slovakia, two landlocked states dependent on their Russian imports.
“Two months ago, no one thought Russian oil sanctions would be possible. (…) that’s why this 6e package is historic”, welcomed the French President, Emmanuel Macron. With regard to gas measures, “we must not exclude anything because no one knows how things will evolve”he added.
“We will have to talk about a 7e package of sanctions because the situation is not improving in Ukraine. But gas is of course much more difficult than oil”underlined the 7e Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas. “Gas must be part of the seventh package, but I am also realistic, I do not think it will be”she clarified.