France is delaying the renewal of EU sanctions against Russia, according to France 24. The delay is due to a disagreement over the removal of an oligarch from the sanctions list. EU ambassadors were forced to extend the sanctions’ deadline of Tuesday by a week after they failed to reach an agreement. The EU demands answers as France pushes for the billionaire’s Russia sanctions release, Politico Europe reported.
Sanctions Deadline Extended
EU ambassadors were unable to agree on the sanctions renewal, leading to a one-week extension of the deadline. The sanctions, originally set to expire on Tuesday, are now scheduled to be renewed by the new deadline of the following Tuesday. This delay highlights the ongoing tensions between member states over the inclusion of certain individuals on the sanctions list.
Slovakia's Opposition
Bratislava is the sole holdout against the proposal to lock in Russia sanctions for 12 months. Slovakia’s rejection of the EU’s plan to extend the sanctions for a full year further complicates the negotiations. The disagreement centers around the inclusion of a specific Russian oligarch, whose removal from the sanctions list France is advocating for.
Next Steps
The Commission must now work to resolve the disagreements and finalize the sanctions renewal by the new deadline. The delay underscores the complex negotiations involved in maintaining a unified stance on Russia sanctions within the EU.