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The European Union hopes to complete negotiations on its next package of sanctions against Russia this week, with EU ambassadors expected to hold final discussions during a COREPER meeting on July 10, according to a senior European diplomat cited by Ukrinform, UATV English reports.
“I hope that tomorrow’s meeting of EU member states’ ambassadors will already include the final discussions,” the diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
According to the official, only a few unresolved issues remain, and consultations are continuing with member states that have raised concerns about elements of the sanctions package.
The diplomat noted that the package will not be discussed at the upcoming meeting of EU finance ministers, as the current plan is to finalize it at the ambassadorial level.
Among the issues under discussion are sanctions targeting Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill, with Italy joining Bulgaria in expressing concerns over the proposed measures.
EU diplomats have also been considering a proposal related to the G7 price cap on Russian oil. The European Commission has suggested postponing the scheduled mid-July review of the current $44-per-barrel cap, warning that failing to take action would automatically increase the ceiling.
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