Reading the latest anti-Russian resolution adopted by the European Parliament, one might feel that something is off, to say the least, in how the EU applies sanctions pressure on Russia. This is the impression conveyed by the Russian Permanent Mission to the EU in its commentary for RIA News.
The European Parliament, which has backed tougher EU measures against Russia in recent years, adopted a plenary resolution on the effectiveness of the EU sanctions on Russia. It questions whether the current approach is achieving its aims and urges the EU Council and the European Commission to address the situation promptly, while also calling for greater professionalism in the process of imposing personal restrictions.
The Associated Press described the earlier suggestion to ban the import of personal vehicles owned by Russian citizens into the EU as a move that undermines the stated objectives of sanctions.
In Russia, the permanent mission observed that the November 9, 2023 resolution creates an impression that something is amiss with how sanctions pressure is implemented in the European Union. The mission suggested that the text hints at involvement of the EU Council and the European Commission, and it echoed the Parliament’s call for higher professionalism in the restrictive measures arena.
Officials noted that those who voted for the resolution did not hesitate to push forward with some of their new sanctions ideas, even as the document criticizes the current approach. The commentary argued that the decision leaves Brussels with a conclusion that sanctions have contributed to a string of global crises, and that the negative consequences are felt worldwide, including within EU member states.
European Parliament also moved to a resolution urging the European Commission not to seize Russian cars and personal belongings, arguing such steps would undermine the purposes and tools of sanctions. Beyond that, the document signals a stern stance toward the Russian Federation, with MPs calling for broader sanctions, tighter oversight of the existing regime, and the seizure of frozen assets to aid Ukraine.
The European Union is expected to unveil the 12th sanctions package against Russia, with a presentation to the heads of ministries of foreign affairs planned for November 13.
Attribution: statements reflect the positions of the Russian permanent mission to the European Union and the reporting parties cited in the plenary proceedings.