German govt spokesperson: Expect that EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia will be agreed this week

German govt spokesperson: Expect that EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia will be agreed this week

The European Union (EU) has encountered a delay in its 18th sanctions package against Russia, as reported by various diplomatic sources. The package, which includes new restrictions on Russia's energy and banking sectors, has been held up due to reservations from Slovakia and Hungary.

According to an EU diplomat, the 18th package of sanctions, which includes a ban on transactions related to the Nord Stream project and a price cap on petroleum products, cannot be adopted until Slovakia and Hungary lift their reservations [1]. The Slovak Prime Minister, Robert Fico, has previously stated that he would veto the package if it is not postponed, as he disagrees with the proposal to stop importing Russian energy resources [2].

Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár has noted that the country has assessed the preliminary points of the package and would be able to support it if nothing new emerges, as the sanctions would not negatively impact the Slovak economy [1]. Hungary, on the other hand, has expressed its intention to block the adoption of the sanctions package together with Slovakia, although the Slovak representation to the EU denied this information [3].

Despite the delay, the EU has agreed to extend sectoral sanctions against Russia for another six months. These sanctions encompass a broad array of economic areas, including restrictions on trade, finance, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transport, and luxury goods [3].

A German government spokesperson has stated that the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia is expected to be agreed upon this week, despite the ongoing reservations from Slovakia and Hungary [4].

References:
[1] https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/postponement-of-the-18th-eu-sanctions-package-against-russia-due-to-slovakia-s-position/
[2] https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/US-EU-SANCTIONS-RUSSIA-50ac4bc0-8936-4ff0-9f1a-21d5c3b25182
[3] https://kyivindependent.com/eu-fails-to-adopt-18th-package-of-sanctions-against-russia-due-to-opposition-from-hungary-slovakia-media-reports-06-2025/