A compromise proposal is already on the table, but for some countries it doesn’t go far enough: an oil embargo in particular is still failing in three EU countries.
The EU countries still cannot agree on an oil embargo against Russia. The background is a dispute over exceptions for some states that are particularly dependent on Russian oil.
A next round of negotiations between the permanent representatives of the states was scheduled for Sunday, as the French EU Council Presidency announced on Twitter.
The EU Commission had previously proposed a compromise that would give Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic more time to fully implement the delivery stop. For several countries, however, the proposal did not go far enough.
Talks are ongoing with Hungary
Diplomats said bilateral talks were ongoing with Hungary and other countries. The countries had therefore demanded further concessions – more time, but also financial support. Bulgaria, among others, also wants an exemption.
In order for the sanctions package to be implemented, all countries must agree. The aim is to finalize the package by the weekend – it is still unclear whether this will succeed.
Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are heavily dependent on Russian oil, all of which is supplied via the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline. According to the national statistics authority, the Czech Republic covered around half of its oil consumption from Russian sources in 2021. In Hungary, according to the government, 65 percent come from Russia. According to the national operating company Transpetrol, Russia is the only source of oil for Slovakia. According to the EU Commission, deliveries to these countries only account for a very small proportion of total EU imports of Russian oil.
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
