EU Commission Proposes 14th Sanctions Package Against Russia Including Restrictions on LNG Imports and Targeting 'Shadow Fleet'

The European Commission has circulated a draft proposal to EU member states for the 14th package of sanctions against Russia, which, among other measures, includes restrictions on the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, although a full embargo is not proposed. This latest sanctions initiative follows the EU's approval of the 13th package on February 23, marking the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Details revealed by "Polish Radio" and reported by "European Truth" indicate that the new sanctions package will prohibit the transshipment of Russian LNG in European ports. Notably, Belgium and its port of Zeebrugge lead in handling these operations, with France and Spain also being major recipients of Russian LNG.

In addition to targeting the LNG sector, the sanctions will affect Russian LNG projects such as "Arctic" and "Murmansk." Furthermore, the Commission aims to sanction several vessels from Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" that continue to transport Russian oil despite existing EU restrictions. These vessels will be banned from entering European ports.

The draft also proposes restrictions on transport companies, at least one-quarter owned by Russians, from operating within the EU. Additionally, the Commission has prepared a sanctions list targeting over 50 companies outside the EU that are involved in supplying Western components to Russia and aiding in circumventing sanctions. The sanctions are reported to impact companies from China, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Kyrgyzstan.

A significant and symbolic measure includes a proposal to ban the sale of Ukrainian artworks in the EU market if there is suspicion that they have been plundered. However, the draft does not propose a ban on aluminum imports but does include a prohibition on helium imports.

Regarding export restrictions, the sanctions will particularly affect manganese ore, mining machinery, monitors, and electronics.

Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President of the European Commission, confirmed in April that work had begun on this 14th package of sanctions, reinforcing the EU's ongoing response to Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine.