Greece and several EU countries block or demand exemptions from the 21st sanctions package against Russia

Several European states — Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, and Austria — have demanded exemptions from the new sanctions package against Russia or blocked the proposed measures altogether.

This was reported by the Financial Times, citing sources.

Lisbon and Berlin are seeking an exemption from the ban on purchasing Russian fish. Paris and Rome are pushing for a relaxation of restrictions on issuing EU visas to Russian military personnel who participated in the military operation. Vienna, according to the FT, has demanded the unfreezing of Russian assets worth EUR 2 billion — to compensate the bank Raiffeisen for enforcement measures imposed on it in Russia.

Athens, according to the publication, refused to approve the 21st sanctions package unless Greece is permitted to transport Russian LNG to third countries.

One diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous, gave a harsh assessment of the situation:

“This is a serious crisis for the entire sanctions approach. If everyone demands exemptions and loopholes, then at the end of the process each sanctions package is simply an empty box.”

The FT had previously reported on a “collapse” of support for anti-Russian sanctions in Europe. Politico, citing four EU diplomats, reported that the European Union may make concessions to Greece and amend certain provisions of the 21st package. The dispute with Austria, according to Politico, has already been resolved.

Russia considers Western sanctions to be illegal.