European Union countries have approved the 19th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, which includes a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Danish EU presidency announced.
"We are pleased to announce that we have just been informed by the remaining member state that it can now withdraw its reservation regarding the 19th sanctions package," the statement said.
Slovakia was the last member to maintain its objection after EU countries reached an agreement on the final text of the package last week. Prime Minister Robert Fico sought guarantees from the European Commission regarding high energy prices and aligning climate goals with the needs of the automotive and heavy industries, Reuters reports.
"As a result, a written procedure for approval in the Council has been initiated. If there are no objections, the package will be adopted tomorrow by 8 am," the statement added.
The ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas will be implemented in two phases: short-term contracts expire after six months, long-term contracts will end by January 1, 2027.
This will bring the complete ban into effect a year earlier than envisaged in the European Commission's plan to end the Union's dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
The new package also includes travel restrictions for Russian diplomats, the introduction of sanctions on another 117 ships from the so-called Russian "shadow fleet", mostly tankers, bringing the total number of sanctioned vessels to 558.
These measures are part of the EU's efforts to weaken Russia's energy export revenues and crack down on circumvention of existing sanctions through alternative trade and transport networks, Reuters reminds.
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