On Wednesday, ambassadors from the 27 European Union member states will deliberate on the proposed 14th sanctions package against Russia. According to a report by Politico and published by European Truth, this package centers on curbing Moscow's revenues from its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
The European Commission is advocating for an EU-wide halt on the re-export of Russian LNG. Should the member states agree to the Commission's proposal, it would mark the EU's first major stance against Russia's robust gas sector, a response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
While the EU has already banned imports of Russian coal and maritime crude oil, the Commission does not suggest a direct ban on Russian LNG imports, which are still purchased in significant quantities by member states including Belgium, France, and Spain. Instead, the Commission recommends measures against so-called LNG transshipment through EU ports.
This measure would particularly affect the Russian LNG plant on the Yamal Peninsula, which relies on icebreaker tankers to extract fuel. The Russian LNG is then offloaded in EU ports, from where it is transported to other countries around the world.
The new sanctions are also expected to prohibit EU firms from investing in future Russian LNG projects, which would limit the sector's ability to expand and consequently restrict Russia's income.
In addition, the sanctions package is anticipated to include a ban on importing Russian helium.
The ambassadors will also discuss proposed restrictions for European political parties, non-governmental organizations, and media outlets that accept cash from the Russian government and its proxies.
Moreover, four media outlets accused of spreading pro-Russian propaganda, including Voice of Europe, are set to be added to the sanctions list.
The EU sanctions must be unanimously approved by all 27 member states, and the proposal could be modified before its final approval.
