Overview
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc plans to adopt the 19th sanctions package against Russia this week and indicated further packages will follow.
- Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár stated Bratislava could support the package once its requests on electricity prices and climate rules are reflected in EU conclusions.
- European sources assessed that ministers were unlikely to seal agreement at their Luxembourg meeting, with the issue likely shifting to the European Council on Oct. 23–24.
- The European Commission’s September proposal includes a ban on Russian LNG imports by 2027, tighter import‑export controls, banking and cryptocurrency measures, and new individual listings.
- Draft measures under discussion also cover limits on investments in Russian special economic zones, reinsurance restrictions tied to Russian aircraft and ships, and constraints on dealings with ports used for military‑related sales.