Poland has put forward a formal proposal in Brussels seeking the twelfth package of sanctions against Russia. The move comes as negotiators in the European Union grapple with expanding measures, though there are concerns that consensus inside the Council is growing harder to secure. Andrzej Sadoś, the Polish ambassador to the EU, noted that efforts to curb Russian diamonds and other assets are stalling at the EU level, and that reaching unanimity on new restrictions remains a challenge amidst shifting opinions among member states.
According to discussions shared with PAP, support among Western European countries for additional sanctions connected to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine appears to be cooling. The overall appetite for new punitive steps seems to be waning as certain capitals weigh the domestic economic and political implications more heavily than before.
The Polish delegation confirmed that Warsaw has advanced a proposal for the twelfth sanctions package, emphasizing the reimposition of restrictions on Russian diamonds and an expansion of blacklists to include a broader set of individuals and entities linked to Moscow’s network. This approach aligns with a broader effort to close loopholes and ensure that sanctions remain effective even as Russian economic strategies adapt to mounting pressure.
Sources indicated that the European Commission plans to begin technical work on a fresh sanctions package around mid-November, following the October EU summit. This timetable suggests a structured process where political agreements precede detailed implementation rules, allowing for careful alignment with existing measures and enforcement mechanisms.
Beyond diamonds, the Polish proposal advocates actions aimed at curbing the flow of Russian energy and technology. Specifically, it calls for a ban on importing liquefied petroleum gas from Russia and a prohibition on the use of certain ICT services sourced from Russian providers. These elements reflect a broader strategy to tighten economic levers while limiting Russia’s ability to leverage high-value sectors for arming or funding its activities.
The 11th package had focused on tightening the existing restrictions to minimize circumvention. It introduced new limits on Russian vessels calling at European ports, a ban on the use of Russian trailers in line with national requests, and provisions designed to clamp down on exports to third countries that could be used to evade EU sanctions.
A new mechanism was introduced to reduce evasion by restricting the export of specified goods to particular third countries known to permit shipments that circumvent existing measures. The enforcement approach remains contingent on diplomatic dialogue and the assent of the EU Council, ensuring that decisions reflect broad consensus and coherent international coordination.
The ongoing discussions underscore how the EU seeks to balance punitive steps with lawful enforcement and diplomatic precision. Policymakers are weighing the broader economic impact on member states while maintaining pressure on Russia through targeted restrictions that are harder to bypass. The goal is to sustain a unified stance that constrains Moscow without triggering unintended consequences for European economies or global markets.
In this evolving landscape, Warsaw’s push for the twelfth package signals a continued commitment to a robust sanctions regime. Whether this latest proposal will secure broad backing remains uncertain, but it highlights the EU’s intent to remain vigilant and adaptive in response to Russia’s evolving strategy. The coming weeks will reveal how member states reconcile divergent priorities while preserving a coherent, enforceable framework for sanctions policy.
— Policy analysis and updates related to the discussion around sanctions remain coordinated within EU councils and national delegations as the bloc navigates a complex geopolitical environment.
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