The European Commission is not expected to introduce new bans on imports from Russia within the 13th package of anti-Russian sanctions currently being drafted. Diplomats from the European Union have signaled this stance, indicating that, while there are calls from several states for stricter trade restrictions, the 13th package is likely to be shaped to avoid contentious debates over expanding import bans. The focus appears to be on delivering a timely package that maintains cohesion among member states and minimizes the risk of internal disagreements that could slow down the decision-making process (Reuters).
According to Reuters, the commission’s approach suggests a preference for moving ahead promptly with the 13th package to prevent new disputes over potential import restrictions. This implies a careful balancing act: maintaining pressure on Russia through targeted measures while resisting a broader expansion of import bans that could provoke more intense disagreements among EU members. The underlying objective is to show resolve against Moscow without triggering divisions that could undermine the overall effectiveness of the sanctions regime (Reuters).
Despite the push for the 13th package, sources also indicate that the European Commission is preparing to propose a 14th package in the near future. The anticipated package would reportedly include new prohibitions on imports from Russia, signaling a stepped-up effort to apply economic pressure even as the 13th package is still being finalized. This signaling helps manage expectations across EU capitals and reinforces the sense that the sanctions strategy is ongoing and adaptable to evolving circumstances (Reuters).
Peter Szijjártó, who previously held the office of Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations, has publicly questioned the effectiveness of attempts to impose further restrictions on Russia. He has suggested that the EU’s ongoing efforts might be counterproductive if they fail to translate into tangible, constructive outcomes. His remarks contribute to a broader debate within the union about how best to leverage sanctions to achieve strategic goals without compromising regional cohesion and economic stability (Reuters).
In parallel, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has indicated that Warsaw intends to push for including fuel supplies for nuclear power plants in the 13th EU sanctions package against Russia. This move underscores a strategic emphasis on energy security and supply reliability as key leverage points. It also reflects Poland’s broader position on vulnerabilities within the European energy market and the desire to ensure that critical energy infrastructure remains resilient in the face of external pressures (Reuters).
Separately, the United States has broadened its own sanctions list targeting Russia, signaling a coordinated, if not synchronized, escalation of economic measures among Western allies. The expansion of sanction tools by the United States reinforces the multifaceted approach to pressuring Moscow, complementing EU efforts and contributing to a global framework intended to constrain Russian economic activity while maintaining allied unity and strategic messaging on the international stage (Reuters).