EU Sanctions Unity Fractures as Southern States Resist Russian Oil Shipping Ban Ahead of War Anniversary

Sharp disagreements have emerged among European Union member states over the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, threatening Brussels' plan to adopt new restrictions before the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Maritime Shipping at Center of Dispute

The proposed sanctions package focuses on tightening restrictions in energy, finance, and trade, with the most contentious element being a complete ban on maritime services for ships carrying Russian oil. This would effectively end the G7 price cap mechanism within EU jurisdiction.

Greece and Malta, as the EU's leading maritime powers with significant tanker fleets, have categorically opposed the ban. Athens believes the prohibition risks increasing competition from India and China, empowering Russia's "shadow fleet," and encouraging vessel owners to remove ships from national registries through "deflagging."

Broader Opposition Coalition

The disagreements extend beyond shipping. According to Bloomberg, Italy and Hungary object to restrictions targeting the Georgian port of Kulevi, while Greece and Malta oppose sanctions on an Indonesian port. Spain has raised concerns about measures targeting a bank in Cuba.

European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis insisted the EU would not "shy away" from adopting the full ban even without G7 agreement. "We need to do what we need to do," echoed Swedish Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson. "Of course, the more we are, the better it is."

Shadow Fleet Expansion

The proposed package would expand the EU's blacklist of the Russian "shadow fleet" to 640 tankers and include unprecedented measures against banks in third countries. However, southern EU members worry about economic risks to their ports and shipping industries.

High Stakes Deadline

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas expressed confidence that foreign ministers would approve the package when they meet on February 23. "Sanctions are working," she said. "They are inflicting serious damage on the Russian economy, and each new measure further limits its ability to wage war."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa plan to travel to Ukraine on February 24, adding symbolic pressure to reach agreement before the anniversary.

Dutch Perspective

The Netherlands, as one of the five countries that announced findings on Navalny's poisoning, remains firmly in the camp pushing for strong sanctions. Dutch officials have consistently supported tighter restrictions on Russian energy exports, though the country must balance these positions with the concerns of its European partners.