EU fails to agree on Russian oil embargo

German Economy Minister says bloc unity is “starting to fall apart”

The EU (European Union) has not yet reached an agreement on future Russian oil embargoes. According to news agencies Reutersdiplomats are still trying to make progress ahead of the summit scheduled for Monday (30.May.2022).

According to diplomats, there are still many details to work out before reaching an agreement on a new round of sanctions applied to Russia in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine.

The new sanctions package has been discussed since the beginning of the month. In addition to the Russian oil embargo, the measures include cuts to the bank SberBank, banning Russian broadcasters from EU member countries and updating the list of individuals sanctioned by the bloc.

Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic say they are worried about the effects of the Russian oil embargo. In order to implement the proposal, the European Commission can exempt countries from the blockade.

According to German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, the unity of the bloc is “beginning to fall apart” before discussing plans to reduce Russia’s dependence on energy.

Habeck highlighted the importance of unity among the bloc’s countries and urged Germany not to abstain from voting during the summit.

“Europe is still a huge economic area with incredible economic power. And when it’s united, it can use that power.”said.