The European Commission acknowledges fatigue in Europe’s sanctions against Russia
European Commission member Valdis Dombrovskis also pointed out that the principle of "unanimity" in imposing restrictions on Russia cannot be altered.
Brussels, September 23 — TASS
European Economic Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis acknowledged that the EU has grown weary of its sanctions against Russia.
“It is clear that after five years of conflict, there is a certain sense of fatigue,” he said in an interview with Euractiv. His remarks came in response to the removal of Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov, Mikhail Fridman, and former rector of Crimea Federal University Andrey Falyayev from the list of targeted individuals under the sanctions.
Additionally, the commissioner emphasized that, in line with demands from Germany and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, changing the unanimity rule in sanction decisions is “not possible in the near term.” According to him, such a change would require amendments to the EU treaties, which in turn would need unanimous approval from all 27 national capitals.
Earlier on September 22, the Council of the European Union decided to extend personal sanctions against Russia for another three years—until September 22, 2029. The measures apply to more than 3,000 individuals and legal entities. According to Reuters, EU ambassadors agreed to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman under pressure from France and Luxembourg.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877102348717195/
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