One option is for new sanctions against Moscow in retaliation for every attack on civilians
The EU is considering a shift away from imposing sweeping sanctions packages on Russia in favour of more frequent and incremental measures, Helen McEntee, the Irish foreign minister, told Euractiv.
Ireland, which holds the Council of the EU’s rotating presidency, clinched a compromise on the latest package, the 21st since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, after an acrimonious stand-off with Greece, which fought tooth and nail to protect its domestic shipping industry.
The heated debate, during which many of the European Commission’s proposals were watered down by other countries – including restrictions on visas for Russians and fish imports that were diluted or dropped – has prompted diplomats to rethink the strategy for putting pressure on Russia.
“We need to look and see what is the best approach,” McEntee said in an interview, when asked if a 22nd package of sanctions would follow.
