AGI-EU ambassadors have given the political green light to the 13th sanctions package over Russian aggression in Ukraine. This is one of the largest packages adopted by the EU, explains the EU Presidency. It will undergo a written procedure and be officially approved by February 24, the second anniversary of the Russian invasion.
A draft proposal previously seen by AFP included export restrictions on three mainland Chinese companies that supply Russian military personnel and blocking North Korea's defense minister from supplying missiles to Moscow. The process has been slowed somewhat by Hungary, which wants to prevent the package of new sanctions from affecting the activities and interests of Rosatom, the Russian nuclear energy company hired as the main contractor for the expansion of the Paks power plant, which supplies electricity to over 50% of residents. of Hungarian companies and families.
The fears are not unfounded, as Europe's new restrictions on Russia are aimed at combating evasion of previous sanctions and particularly affect companies in Turkey, North Korea and other countries with ties to Russia.
A year ago, the European Union had already considered an instrument to combat tax avoidance that could be used to block and control trade flows with entire countries instead of with individual companies. But it is an instrument that may only be activated in extreme cases and in any case with the consent of all member states.
Jade Gao / AFP – Ursula von der Leyen
The political approval of the new package meets with the approval of the President of the European Commission Ursula von del Leyen. “I welcome the adoption of our 13th sanctions package against Russia. We must further weaken Putin's war machine. With a total of 2,000 names on the blacklist, we are keeping the pressure on the Kremlin high. We are also further reducing Russia’s access to drones.” Writes about X von der Leyen.