Diplomatic sources reported that the European Union (EU) countries will continue tough negotiations “at the beginning of the week” to overcome the obstacles that hinder the European embargo project on Russian oil.
Ambassadors of 27 member states met on Sunday before agreeing on the sixth series of sanctions against Moscow, presented by the European Commission on Wednesday.
“Contacts will continue at all levels at the beginning of the week with the aim of reaching full agreement on this sixth package,” a European diplomat said.
The Council of Europe is “unified in the need to adopt” these measures. “For many, great progress has been made,” he added.
The European Commission’s proposal calls for an embargo on Russian oil by the end of the year, but this measure raises suspicion in some countries.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose country is heavily dependent on Russian energy, warned on Friday that Brussels’ proposal is undermining “European unity”. A unanimous vote of 27 members is required for sanctions to be passed.
“There is no political blockade, but it is necessary to guarantee alternative sources of supply to domestic countries that depend on the pipeline for Russian oil. And this is not an easy thing,” a European diplomat told AFP.
“These are new infrastructures and technological changes that involve not only European financing, but also agreements between various Member States.
“We are making progress, but it takes time,” he added. Another diplomat reiterated that work is continuing “to respond to supply security concerns of some countries”.
source: Noticias
