Sixth package of sanctions presented: EU wants import stop for Russian oil

The President of the Commission presented the EU’s sixth package of sanctions against Russia. The most important point is an oil import ban. However, it will not be “easy”, said von der Leyen. There should also be sanctions against banks and TV stations.

In its sixth package of sanctions against Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine, the EU Commission has proposed a comprehensive oil embargo, which the member states still have to agree to.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the presentation of the measures in the European Parliament that all imports of Russian crude oil should be stopped with a transitional period of six months. By the end of the year, the embargo should also affect all refined oil products. It includes all imports by sea and pipeline. Several news agencies had previously reported on the corresponding draft.

Sanctions against banks, broadcasters and soldiers

Von der Leyen also announced that he wanted to exclude the Russian Sberbank and other institutions in the country from the Swift payment system. The EU wants to deprive the Russian economy of the opportunity to diversify and modernize.

In order to counteract Russian propaganda, after RT and Sputnik, three other state broadcasters in the country are to have their broadcasting license revoked in the EU. Finally, according to the head of the commission, there should also be personal sanctions against members of the Russian military who are responsible for the Atrocities against the civilian population in Bucha, for example be responsible. “We know who they are and they will be held accountable,” von der Leyen said.

Reconstruction fund planned

“We want Ukraine to win this war,” von der Leyen said. This also requires financial help. The country currently needs five billion euros a month to be able to maintain the state. According to estimates, several hundred billion euros are required for the reconstruction of the country. Here, too, the European Union bears a special responsibility. Von der Leyen did not say how much money should come from the EU.

At the end of this path could be Ukraine’s membership of the EU, said von der Leyen to the applause of the MPs.

Von der Leyen: “It won’t be easy”

The 27 EU countries must unanimously agree to the Commission’s sanctions proposals before they can come into force. However, Hungary in particular had already expressed reservations in advance. Several news agencies had previously reported that there should be exceptions for some countries. Von der Leyen also admitted that the planned embargo will require great efforts from some countries. “Let’s not kid ourselves: it won’t be easy,” she said. “Some member states are heavily dependent on Russian oil.”

Habeck: Embargo can be implemented in Germany

Economics Minister Robert Habeck considers the embargo to be feasible for Germany. The transition period is “long enough” to create alternatives, he said – even if prices could rise. However, the government cannot guarantee that regional developments will not be “stagnant”. Habeck named the refinery in Schwedt, Brandenburg, which is controlled by the Russian state-owned company Rosneft. However, the location should be preserved and “a sustainable industry” should be built there.

Hungary, on the other hand, reported strong reservations about an embargo. Budapest sees no precautions that “guarantee Hungary’s energy security,” criticized the government.

Moscow: Russian oil via third countries

In a first reaction from Moscow to the announced measures, Vladimir Jabarov of the RIA agency’s international affairs committee said: “Europe will continue to buy Russian oil through third countries as soon as it introduces an embargo.”