For a third time, ambassadors from EU member states have been unable to reach consensus on the 10th package of sanctions aimed at Russia, with the measure slated to take effect on February 24. This development was reported by Reuters, citing diplomatic sources familiar with the discussions.
According to those sources, a key hurdle emerged when Poland opposed elements of the draft, arguing that certain exemptions allowing the continued supply of rubber from Russia to EU markets would blunt the impact of the package. The stance suggested that even with a broad agreement in place, targeted exemptions could undermine the overall effectiveness of the restrictive measures.
Josep Borrell, who previously led EU diplomacy, acknowledged that while differences persist among member states about the final form of the 10th sanctions package, negotiators were optimistic that a settlement would be achieved before the February 24 deadline and that the package would eventually be adopted with the necessary unanimity or high-level agreement.
Prior to the latest discussion, the EU’s permanent representatives had been conducting intensive talks, reviewing draft texts and potential compromises. In the lead-up to the February 22 meeting, there was a clear expectation in Brussels that the 10th package would be finalized, reflecting the bloc’s ongoing effort to coordinate a unified response to Russia’s actions while balancing legal and economic considerations across diverse member interests. The outcome of these deliberations remains a focal point for policymakers, allies, and market observers watching how the bloc calibrates its tools in response to the evolving geopolitical environment. The situation continues to be monitored closely by governments and analyses will continue to unfold as discussions progress and any formal decision is announced with the appropriate diplomatic channels and official communications.