How effective are the EU's new Russia sanctions?
The EU has adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The new measures mainly target the country's shadow fleet, which Moscow has been using to circumvent previous sanctions and continue its lucrative oil trade. The number of ships banned from entering EU ports has been increased by 189 to a total of 342 tankers.
Hit Putin where it hurts
Now the Europeans must follow up on their threats, writes Die Welt:
“They must be tough and decisive and act without the US if necessary. On Tuesday, the EU adopted its 17th sanctions package, which affects almost 200 ships in the Russian shadow fleet. This is a good first step. But further, far tougher ones must follow, for example in the financial sector. If the banks that currently handle energy trade with Europe were to be sanctioned, this would considerably slow down Putin's war machine. The Europeans must hit Putin where it hurts - even if it means hurting themselves too. The Ukrainians have suffered long enough for Europe's security and freedom.”
Try the carrot instead of the stick
The taz recommends a change of tactics:
“If 17 sanctions packages have achieved nothing, why should it be any different with the 18th, which is already in planning? If pressure and threats don't work, why not try incentives for a change? Sanctions are actually intended as a diplomatic tool that builds up pressure but can also be used to reward concessions. However the EU has never used this option in the Ukraine war. It's high time for a rethink.”
Anxiously waiting to see what the US will do
Much depends on what is decided in Washington, Corriere della Sera notes:
“The EU is continuing on its path and waiting to see what the US will do after Trump withdrew his call for Russia to declare an immediate ceasefire during his phone call with Putin on Monday. The uncertainty over how Washington will impose new sanctions also weighs heavily on Brussels, because its decisions must be taken unanimously, and Hungary, which is both pro-Trump and pro-Putin, is always ready to use its veto.”