News Europe

Russia faces new EU sanctions after Greek resistance overcome

EU member states agreed on a 21st sanctions package against Russia after Greece's initial objection was resolved with a one-year exemption for transporting Russian LNG to third countries.

Eleni Papadaki-Van Der Merwe Staff Writer

JULY 23, 2026 AT 3:30 PM

The main point of contention concerned a proposed ban on European companies shipping Russian natural gas to third countries. Athens resisted, arguing that the measure would be ineffective as vessels could easily change their flag and registration. Ultimately, the opposition was overcome with a lengthy one-year extension and exemption for the transport of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries, with automatic renewal.

The Greek Block and the Solution

As reported by Politico, citing diplomats, member states showed solidarity toward Greece with the expectation that Athens would do the same in future cases. The Greek position was based on previous agreements by EU leaders and doubts about the practical implementation of the measure.

Cap on Russian Oil

In parallel, the package provides for a 12-month freeze on the price cap for Russian crude oil, which currently stands at $44.10 per barrel. This measure aims to prevent Russia from benefiting from market fluctuations, particularly amid developments in the war.

Statements from the Irish Presidency

The Irish presidency of the European Council welcomed the agreement as a significant step targeting Russia’s revenues, its shadow fleet, and its supply chains. “Europe stands with Ukraine,” it noted characteristically.

Von der Leyen’s Reaction

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was quick to comment positively on the development. In a post, she stated that the EU sanctions continue to hit the economic foundations of Russia’s war machine, while new entities are being added, such as 32 Russian banks, cryptocurrency companies, and oil trading platforms.

She also highlighted the first targeting of vessels supporting the shadow fleet, as well as steps toward banning the entry of Russian fighters into the EU. According to Newsbreak, this agreement reflects the Union’s effort to maintain pressure on Moscow, despite the difficulties faced by certain member states due to economic interests.

Eleni Papadaki-Van Der Merwe

She was born in 1986 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is the granddaughter of an immigrant from Crete who settled in the Greek community of Johannesburg (one of the largest in Africa). She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg and a master’s degree in Journalism from Rhodes University in Grahamstown. She began her career at English-language media outlets in Johannesburg, covering politics and economics, with a focus on issues related to migration and the diaspora. She moved to Athens in 2015 to “return to her roots,” initially to pursue graduate studies, and has remained there permanently. She is married to an Afrikaner; they have two children and live in the southern suburbs of Athens.

Von der Leyen’s Reaction