As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third year on February 24, EU countries have begun negotiating the details of the 16th sanctions package against Russia. The new package will include a ban on aluminum imports from Russia.
According to leaks to the European press, the European Commission plans to present a package that includes various restrictions, including a ban on aluminum imports from Russia. Previously, the EU had banned the import of processed forms of aluminum like wire, pipe, and foil but continued to allow primary aluminum imports. The new package aims to ban the import of all forms of aluminum.
Under the new sanctions package, 10 EU member countries are demanding a ban on gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia. The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden want to stop Russia’s fuel exports to Europe and ban Russian LNG tankers from entering EU ports.
So far, the EU has imposed 15 sanctions packages against Russia. Within this framework, a ban was placed on the shipment of crude oil and some petroleum products from Russia to the EU by sea. However, restrictions on Russian gas have not yet been finalized. The EU continues to negotiate further before taking harsher measures on gas imports.
The 16th sanctions package includes restrictions on ships carrying Russian oil. Additionally, some limitations on the international payment system SWIFT are on the agenda. With these measures, the EU aims to further weaken Russia’s economic structure.
