The EU will return to new sanctions against Russia in January

The European Union is going to resume discussions on sanctions against Russia in January 2025. After Hungary hands over the EU presidency to Poland.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Politico.

Hungary, as Moscow's closest ally in the EU, has used its influence to curb sanctions discussions, but Poland, known as one of Ukraine's main supporters, plans to take a tougher stance.

Poland's Climate Minister Krzysztof Bolesta has already stated the need to address the problem of Russian energy imports, which are growing again despite the current restrictions. The EU has previously imposed sanctions on Russian oil supplies and reduced gas purchases, but there are loopholes that Moscow continues to exploit.

Poland intends to use its presidency to tighten sanctions, particularly on Russian fuel. Experts emphasize that Poland's presidency provides a good opportunity to review and strengthen the sanctions strategy, which is extremely important in the context of the ongoing conflict and the approaching winter.

It is expected that the discussions will also touch upon the issue of transparency of Russian gas and oil supplies to Europe to prevent the circumvention of sanctions, such as the oil price cap, which has proven to be insufficiently effective.

Author - Olena Madiak, 21/10/2024