The European Commission reaffirms the intention of the G7 with regard to further punitive measures against Russia. The seventh package of sanctions will primarily concern gold, which is one of Russia's most important export goods. Existing sanctions are also to be specified and tightened.
According to insiders, the EU Commission wants to give the green light for further sanctions against Russia today, Friday. However, these are likely to be less extensive than previous packages, which were directed against oil or coal from Russia, for example. Representatives of the 27 EU member states will then discuss the seventh package of sanctions next week. The final acceptance after the approval of all EU states should take place before the summer break.
Above all, a ban on importing gold from Russia into the EU is planned, said several people familiar with the plans. Gold is one of the country's most important export goods. The seven leading industrialized countries (G7) had already agreed on this measure in June, which is now being implemented. One of the insiders said imports from third countries should also be banned. How this could work, however, remained open.
According to the information, the EU also wants to tighten some existing sanctions imposed in the wake of the Russian attack on Ukraine. The main focus here is on products that could be used for military purposes, including chemicals and certain machines. In addition, other people and companies close to the Kremlin are to be blacklisted. You are threatened with travel restrictions, and assets can then be frozen.
EU officials also said some sanctions should be clarified to prevent trade in food and grain from being affected. African states say EU sanctions have exacerbated food shortages. Russia and Ukraine are among the leading wheat exporters. However, many deliveries are stuck in ports blocked by Russia. Russian ships should be allowed to enter EU ports if they are transporting food or medicine.
