Overview
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says the bloc is moving away from phased escalation to much tougher sanctions focused on energy, financial services and trade.
- EU permanent representatives are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Friday within COREPER II to review and refine the Commission’s proposals on new measures against Russia and Belarus.
- The agenda includes a proposed EU loan to Ukraine funded by proceeds from frozen Russian central bank assets, with the Council document noting restricted phone use during the discussion.
- Draft elements presented by the Commission include a ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas into the EU starting in 2027, subject to member-state agreement.
- Envoys will also discuss involving the UK and Canada in the SAFE instrument aimed at raising €150 billion for EU defense production, while the existing EU regime already comprises 18 packages and Moscow publicly insists it can withstand sanctions.