EU postpones consideration of proposal for full ban on Russian oil imports
The European Commission planned to present a bill on a complete rejection of Russian oil in mid-April, but now there is no specific new date, although the idea itself is not abandoned, reports Euronews.
Illustrative image. Photo: Janos Kummer / Getty Images
The main reason for the current situation is the instability in the energy market caused by the war in the Middle East. Due to this, oil prices have risen (more than $100 per barrel), and under such conditions, it is difficult to introduce new strict measures for now.
An additional factor was the tension in relations with Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to buy Russian oil and depend on its supplies via the Druzhba pipeline.
The decision was also influenced by the situation around Iran: military actions and the threat of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant part of global oil and gas supplies pass, further shook the market. Even statements about possible negotiations between the US and Iran caused price fluctuations.
At the same time, the US partially eased sanctions against Russian oil, which caused discontent in Europe.
But the EU emphasizes: postponement is not an abandonment of plans. They believe that returning to Russian energy resources in the future would be a serious strategic mistake.
A separate problem is the position of Hungary and Slovakia. They already have exemptions from the current sanctions and threaten legal action if new restrictions are introduced. In addition, there is a dispute between these countries and Ukraine over the operation of the Druzhba pipeline: Kyiv claims it is damaged, while Budapest and Bratislava believe that supplies have been halted for political reasons.
This conflict also hinders other decisions, including the allocation of a large financial aid package to Ukraine.
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