"The EU's 13th Sanction Package: Preparing an Embargo Against Russian Aluminum"

The European Union is reportedly preparing to impose an embargo on Russian aluminum as part of its 13th package of sanctions, as per information from Politico. This move marks a significant step in the EU's ongoing efforts to respond to the geopolitical landscape with economic measures.

The challenge that the EU faces is the increasing difficulty in finding significant targets for sanctions. Key sectors like nuclear energy and liquefied natural gas (LNG) remain outside the scope of these restrictions due to the diverse positions of member states. For instance, Hungary's collaboration with "Rosatom" for building new nuclear reactors makes it impractical to sanction the Russian nuclear sector. Similarly, the import of Russian LNG by several countries, notably Spain, complicates the inclusion of this sector in the sanctions.

The 13th sanction package, therefore, aims to shift focus from Russian exports to imports. A diplomat, in conversation with Politico, mentioned that the EU plans to consider an embargo on a range of goods, although these discussions are still in the preliminary stages.

Since the aluminum smelting process requires a substantial amount of electricity, sanctions against aluminum indirectly impact the energy sector as well. The EU countries are looking to create additional obstacles for Russia in acquiring components that are crucial for its high-tech weaponry, like guided missiles, which Russia cannot produce independently.

However, the effectiveness of these sanctions is nuanced. According to Lithuania's Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, one of the major challenges for the EU is dealing with sanction circumvention. Some components, not directly under sanctions, can appear innocuous – Landsbergis refers to these as "refrigerator parts" – but can be repurposed by Russia for other uses.

The aim is to finalize the 13th sanction package by February 24th, coinciding with the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion. This move is part of a broader strategy by the EU to increase pressure on Russia, demonstrating a continued commitment to responding to international conflicts with economic measures.

The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing discussions and negotiations shaping the final form of these sanctions. The EU's decision to target the aluminum sector reflects a strategic approach to applying economic pressure, recognizing the interconnectedness of various industries and the importance of targeting key sectors to maximize impact. As the deadline approaches, the international community watches closely to see how these sanctions will unfold and impact the geopolitical landscape.