EU enforces existing sanctions on Russia amid pressure from member states

(MENAFN) The European Union's shift in focus from imposing new sanctions against Russia to enforcing the existing ones comes as Brussels faces increasing pressure from its member states. Diplomats from a dozen European Union countries reportedly claim that targets for new sanctions have become scarce, making negotiations on further restrictions increasingly complicated with each new round. In addition, penalties on remaining sectors would likely hurt the bloc more than Russia, as the value of Russian exports to the EU soared in 2022 compared to the previous year, due largely to skyrocketing energy and raw materials prices.

Nonetheless, the European Union's new special envoy for the implementation of sanctions, David O'Sullivan, believes that the bloc's previous efforts in implementing sanctions against Russia have been a "huge achievement." He has pointed out that the European Union has effectively rolled out ten far-reaching and unprecedented packages of sanctions against Russia. However, O'Sullivan has also acknowledged that the bloc must now focus on effectively implementing these sanctions by tackling "platforms for circumvention." He has already contacted some of Russia's trade partners to explore further measures, and further visits are reportedly in the making.

Despite these challenges, the European Union remains committed to enforcing existing sanctions against Russia, which it sees as an important tool for holding Russia accountable for its actions. Furthermore, the European Union is reportedly concerned about Russia's aggressive behavior towards its neighboring countries, including Ukraine, and is determined to maintain a united front against these actions. Nonetheless, the bloc faces a delicate balancing act as it seeks to maintain pressure on Russia while avoiding hurting its own economy in the process.

In conclusion, while the European Union's shift in focus from imposing new sanctions to enforcing existing ones reflects the challenges it faces in this area, it also underscores its commitment to holding Russia accountable for its actions. As the European Union continues to explore new ways to enforce these sanctions, it remains to be seen how effective they are going to be in curbing Russia's behavior. Nonetheless, the European Union's stance on this issue is clear: it is going to not back down in the face of Russian aggression, even if it means navigating a complex and challenging geopolitical landscape.

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