Overview
- President Javier Milei used a cadena nacional Thursday night to announce a package that includes a DNU to speed sanctions, a bill to reform Law 26.659 into a broader Law of Defense of Sovereignty, and extra Defense funds.
- The measures target the Sea Lion offshore project run by Rockhopper and Navitas by expanding penalties to companies, suppliers and directors and by seeking rules to bar offending firms from operating in Argentina.
- The government said its Foreign Ministry has already sent about 180 'notas de desaliento' to companies and more than 29 countries and will pursue diplomatic, judicial and economic tools to stop unilateral exploitation.
- Separately, Venezuela’s National Assembly approved an energy pact with the United States that gives U.S. actors access to about 17 oil fields and prompted visits by U.S. officials, reshaping regional hydrocarbon politics.
- The announcements provoked immediate political reactions at home that ranged from formal support to criticism over timing and effectiveness and raise the risk of sharper Argentina–UK and regional resource tensions.