The EU is closely coordinating the preparation of new sanctions against Russia with the United States, European Council President António Costa said on Monday, September 8, during his visit to Finland. The European Commission is currently preparing a nineteenth set of sanctions to be presented in the coming days. These new sanctions are expected to target the energy sector, and also financial services.
“We must stop this war and increase pressure on Russia,” Mr Costa said. “We are coordinating our efforts with the United States to make the sanctions even more effective and force (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to sit down at the negotiating table,” Council President added.
Banks, energy companies, and payment systems
Various sources mentioned that the new sanctions may affect six Russian banks and energy companies. Sanctions are also expected to target the Russian payment and credit card system, as well as cryptocurrency exchanges.
According to Reuters, EU diplomats said sanctions were likely to include also more listings of Chinese companies, Russian banks and vessels in Moscow’s sanctions-evading “shadow fleet”. A transaction ban on Russian oil is also under consideration. The new sanctions should also apply to two banks in Central Asian countries.
The European Commission is expected to present the draft package by Friday.
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