Russia Sanctions Hit a Roadblock in the EU: Greece's Objection

The European Union (EU) permanent representatives met to agree on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia but failed to reach an agreement. The stumbling block in the approval process is largely due to Greece's objections to the restrictions on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The permanent representatives of EU member states met to approve the 21st package of sanctions against Russia but again failed to reach a conclusion. According to a report by Reuters, citing a European diplomat, the differences between the parties could not be overcome. The sanction package had been put on hold after a previous meeting on July 15 failed to reach an agreement. The Financial Times had previously reported that Greece was at the center of the deadlock, with Athens objecting to the planned new restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), citing the potential for significant economic damage to the Greek shipping company Dynagas. According to the newspaper, Greece's objections have delayed the adoption of the 21st package of sanctions by at least another week.