Brussels proposes new sanctions package against Russia – POLITICO

The European Commission on Tuesday proposed a new set of sanctions against Russia over its war with Ukraine, including measures to ban coal imports and halt Russian ships entering EU ports.

“We have to exert the greatest pressure at this critical point,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called.

The package includes a ban on coal imports, marking the first time the EU has targeted Russia’s energy exports since the invasion of Ukraine began. It will also include a complete transaction ban on four Russian banks to “further weaken Russia’s financial system”.

According to the plans, Russian shipping will be banned from EU ports, although there will be exceptions, including for energy. Russian and Belarusian road transport companies are also prohibited from entering the EU.

The sanctions include further export bans in areas such as advanced semiconductors, machinery and transportation equipment.

It also bans the participation of Russian companies in EU public procurement contracts and will include further lists of individuals.

Von der Leyen stressed that Brussels would continue to work on additional sanctions, including on oil imports. The package will be discussed by EU ambassadors tomorrow.