EU leaders close to partial Russian oil embargo deal

this Heads of State and Government European Union we got it at the midnight hit “political agreement” He is in the sixth round of sanctions against Russia, the most controversial element of which was an embargo on Russian oil, proposed by Brussels about a month ago for the war in Ukraine. To circumvent the veto of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s plan, Victor OrbanY protect the union European leaders have chosen to soften the embargo with a partial boycott of crude oil imported by sea, which is about two-thirds of Russia’s imports, and this exempts pipeline oil for the time being. .

“The agreement banning the export of Russian oil to the EU. This immediately covers more than two-thirds of Russia’s oil imports and cuts off a major source of funding for the war machine. “Maximum pressure on Russia to end the war,” he said. Charles MichaelThe ban on broadcasting in the EU of three Russian state broadcasters involved in disinformation policy, following the approval of the sixth round of sanctions, which included the exclusion of the fast payment information exchange system of Sberbank, Russia’s largest financial institution, more than the Kremlin and war crimes in Ukraine the inclusion of those responsible in the sanctions list.

It was last May 4th. European Commission He proposed a total and gradual veto on oil and derivatives coming from Russia, both by ship and pipeline, with a one-year extension for Hungary and Slovakia, the two countries that feed Russian crude oil. Druzhba pipeline and they have no access to the sea. Then a conflict with Budapest began, which until tonight was unresolved. Orbán not only demanded more money to adapt their infrastructure and refineries to oil from other countries, but also provided guarantees in case of problems. A coup forcing Brussels to gradually change and dilute its initial proposal to try to bring the deal closer without breaking the unit from twenty-seven.

Purpose: political agreement

Negotiations for ‘white smoke’ at this summit have intensified in the last 48 hours. After the first failed attempt this Sunday, Twenty-Seven’s permanent ambassadors had a success this Monday morning. As confirmed by diplomatic sources, the “principle of agreement”, what to stay A draft used for negotiation during the summit was embodied in the conclusion. According to this text consulted by El Periódico, “The Council of Europe agrees that the sixth package of sanctions against Russia will cover oil, as well as oil derivatives coming from Russia to Member States, with a temporary exception for pipeline oil” . The draft also urged governments to conclude “without delay” the agreement guaranteeing a functioning single market, fair competition and solidarity among member states in the event of a “sudden supply disruption”.

The idea behind this formula is that a two-stage embargo. In the first phase, crude oil arriving by sea will be blocked, which will make it possible to cut two-thirds of Russian imports – if the rate rises to 93% by the end of the year. Germany and Poland They enforce their decision not to import Russian oil – and in a second, it will continue to flow for now, despite a commitment to turn off the tap “as soon as possible”, which accounts for a third of imports via the pipeline. Arriving at the meeting, Orban warned that the proposal on the table was insufficient, although he claimed he welcomed the idea of ​​boycotting pipeline oil.

Hungary wants more guarantees

“It’s a good approach, but we need assurances that in case of an accident on the oil pipeline through Hungary we have the right to obtain Russian oil by other means.” package of sanctions if they find “solutions” that will secure their energy supply. The Hungarian leader also attacked the “irresponsible behavior” of the European Commission, because the order of the deal must be different: first solutions, then sanctions. “With the first five sanctions packages so far, we first adopted the sanctions, then we thought about the consequences and solutions. It is risky and serious with energy. We need solutions first, then sanctions,” he warned.

His words predicted a complex negotiation as it ultimately happened. “I have low expectations that it will be resolved in the next 48 hours. My call to all Member States is that the key to success is solidarity with Ukraine and the unity of the EU,” he said. “If every European country thinks only of itself, we will never move forward,” warned the Latvian Prime Minister, Krisjanis Karins.

countries like Belgium, Netherlands or Romania He also expressed possible concerns. disruptions in the domestic market this could be created by the fact that Hungary continues to buy cheap oil from Russia and the rest is fed a more expensive hydrocarbon. “We understand the dependence of some countries on Russian oil and the rebuilding of refineries takes time. The point here is to keep the rules of the game balanced. But the great thing is that it can be resolved,” said the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte.

Source: Informacion

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