EU envoys agree 21st sanctions package against Russia targeting banks
By Julia Payne, Philip Blenkinsop and Andrew Gray
EU Sanctions Package Details and Implications
Agreement on the 21st Sanctions Package
BRUSSELS, July 23 (Reuters) - European Union envoys agreed on a 21st sanctions package against Russia over its war in Ukraine, imposing curbs on its banking sector while also finding a compromise with Greece to soften restrictions on Russian LNG, four EU diplomats said on Thursday.
Exemption for Russian LNG Transfers
The package granted a one-year exemption allowing EU companies to transfer Russian liquefied natural gas to third countries, with an automatic renewal, after demands from Greece. Sanctions require unanimity to be adopted.
"Member states showed solidarity with Greece and it's expected that Greece will do the same with others in the future," one EU diplomat said.
Greek Perspective on LNG Ban
Athens said a forthcoming ban on transfer services of Russian LNG to third countries would simply shift market share outside Europe and would not impact Russian revenues. The measure was due to come into effect on January 1. EU imports of Russian LNG will still be banned from that date.
Greece dominates Europe's LNG carrier market and is among the biggest players globally, competing with Japan, China and the United States.
Oil Price Cap and Financial Sector Sanctions
Oil Price Cap Freeze
The package includes a 12-month freeze on the Russian oil price cap at $44.10 a barrel. A scheduled review would have increased the price cap on the back of the Iran war, providing substantially higher earnings to Moscow.
"We’re...freezing the oil price cap adjustment for a year, so that the Russian war machine does not benefit from market shocks," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.
Sanctions on Russian Financial Institutions
The package designates 94 Russian financial institutions - mainly banks - alongside Moscow's stock exchange. Once adopted, these entities will fall under the full weight of sanctions which include asset freezes, travel and transaction bans.
Impact on Russia's Banking Sector
The restrictions target the banking sector in an effort to squeeze Russia's financial system at what the EU sees as a vulnerable time for its economy.
Additional Measures and Next Steps
Targeting Russia's Shadow Fleet and Crypto Platforms
In addition, the package targets vessels helping Russia's shadow fleet for the first time and bans transactions with more crypto platforms and oil trading companies.
Adoption Procedure
The technical work on the sanctions package will now be concluded and a written procedure for adoption will be launched on Thursday afternoon.
(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, Andrew Gray and Julia Payne; Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Makini Brice and Toby Chopra)
