LAST UPDATE: 18.33
Representatives of European Union countries failed to reach an agreement today on the Russian oil embargo proposed by the Commission, but are expected to converge tomorrow, Thursday, a knowledgeable official told Reuters.
It is recalled that earlier today, the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented to the European Parliament a sixth package of sanctions against Moscow, which will include a gradual embargo on Russian oil imports.
EU envoys had the first discussions on the proposal today, but the meeting ended without formal support for the plan as some countries expressed concerns about the measures, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. .
Member States request exceptions
Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria are seeking exemptions from the European Union and a transitional period over a European embargo on Russian oil imports, senior officials said.
In particular, Slovakia wants a three-year transition period to be able to gradually implement the European Union-proposed Russian oil embargo, Economy Minister Richard Sulik said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
Slovakia, which is heavily dependent on Russian oil supplies, has backed EU sanctions, Sulik said, but is still seeking an exemption to give it time to secure alternative oil supplies.
An EU source told Reuters that Hungary and Slovakia would be able to continue buying Russian crude until the end of 2023 under existing contracts.
The Czech Republic has been seeking an exemption for two or three years
The Czech Republic will also seek a period of exemption from the European Union-proposed embargo on Russian oil, saving time to increase pipeline capacity, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
“We are ready to support this decision (for sanctions involving an oil embargo), as the Czech Republic will have some exceptions until the capacity of oil pipelines that can deliver oil to the Czech Republic increases,” Fiala said.
“We have been trying to achieve this exception for two, maybe three years,” he added.
Bulgaria is also seeking exceptions
At the same time, Bulgaria will seek similar exceptions. “Bulgaria, technologically, can do without Russian crude oil, but that would significantly increase fuel prices. Therefore, if the “European Commission considers exceptions, we would like to take advantage of such exceptions.”
Hungary does not support the EU embargo
Hungary can not support the proposed European Union embargo on Russian oil imports, as it would undermine its energy security, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
“The Brussels sanctions package would ban oil shipments from Russia to Europe, with a rather brief warning, in the case of Hungary at the end of next year,” Szijjarto said, adding that Hungary could not support the measures in the their current form.
“Hungary could only agree to these measures if imports of Russian oil via pipeline were exempt from sanctions,” he said.
Bloomberg: Greece, Cyprus and Malta raise questions about ban on oil shipments between third countries
Greece, Cyprus and Malta are raising questions about the ban on oil shipments between third countries, noting that the move would only help the European Union’s competitors, according to two diplomats quoted by Bloomberg.
The bloc aims to complete the package by the end of the week or by May 9 at the latest, diplomats said.
Denmark and Finland support sanctions
Denmark and Finland support the Commission’s proposal to impose sanctions on Russian oil, the two prime ministers said at a news conference in Copenhagen on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
“What is being put on the table today by the Commission on oil will be really felt in Russia, so we support it,” said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
“We need more sanctions, and for energy, that ‘s why I welcome the Commission’ s proposal for sanctions, including on Russian oil,” said Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin.
Source: Capital
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