The EU did not approve the 21st package of sanctions against Russia due to Greece's position
On July 22, the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives was unable to reach a consensus on adopting the 21st package of EU sanctions against the Russian Federation—the aggressor state. It was decided to continue the discussions on the morning of July 23, according to “European Truth,” citing EU diplomats familiar with the negotiations.
According to one of the publication’s sources, Greece is insisting on removing from the package a complete ban on the transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas, particularly to third countries. Because of this, Coreper was unable to reach a consensus.
The issue of the 21st sanctions package was the first item on the agenda of the July 22 meeting. After an agreement could not be reached, the discussion was postponed to the evening session. The discussion lasted more than two hours, after which Coreper decided to adjourn until the following morning.
Earlier, on July 15, Coreper also failed to adopt a decision on the new sanctions package. At that time, while negotiations were ongoing, the EU decided to freeze the price cap on Russian oil until July 23. Prior to this, Bulgaria and Italy had raised objections to the inclusion of Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church on the sanctions lists; however, after his name was removed, these objections were withdrawn.
