The European Union continues consultations with the United States on additional sanctions against Russia, but is currently prioritizing the political approval of its own 18th sanctions package.
This was stated by Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, during a briefing in Brussels on July 8, according to a Ukrinform correspondent.
“We have been cooperating with the U.S. on sanctions since the very beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. We are cooperating not only with the U.S., but also with G7 and other like-minded partners, because indeed it is important to build as broad coalition as possible, which will improve the sanctions efficiency,” Dombrovskis said in response to a question about coordination with U.S. senators on new Russia sanctions.
He briefly confirmed that dialogue with the U.S. is ongoing, but emphasized that the EU’s current priority is the adoption of the 18th sanctions package proposed by the European Commission.
Dombrovskis noted that the issue was discussed at the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting held earlier that day, and that the Commission is urging member states to finalize talks and reach a political agreement on the new package without delay.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the EU and U.S. are preparing the harshest sanctions against Russia since 2022, aimed at inflicting severe economic damage that could pressure Vladimir Putin into agreeing to a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham recently announced a “breakthrough” in Congress regarding his proposed sanctions bill targeting Russia and countries that buy Russian oil.
Leaders of the G7 have already reached a consensus on the need to tighten sanctions against Moscow.
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, said on July 7 that EU countries may reach agreement on the 18th sanctions package this week.
