EU countries want assessments on potential Russian LNG sanctions

22/5/2024 7:04

        EU countries will take weeks to hammer out the next set of sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine, EU diplomats say, though they broadly support the measures including to restrict Russian LNG exports for the first time.
        
        Countries including Belgium, Germany and France have asked for European Commission for assessments on whether a ban on LNG transshipments at European ports will hit the Russian economy more than the EU's, they said.
        
        The countries and the European Commission declined to comment.
        
        "There's broad support but mainly questions. This package is just stitches - we've never done anything like this before," one diplomat said, referring to the LNG.
        
        Diplomats say they are racing to iron out the 14th package before Hungary takes over the EU presidency in July. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains ties with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, has previously tried to block aid to Ukraine and restrictions on Moscow.