Media: the EU opposed the easing of sanctions on coal

MOSCOW, 20 Sep — PRIME. A group of EU countries opposed the new guidelines of the European Commission and believes that they weaken EU sanctions on coal, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.

It is noted that, according to new guidelines, the movement of certain goods, including coal and related products, “should be allowed to combat food and energy security challenges around the world.” Prior to this, the commission has said its sanctions bar EU operators from moving coal and from providing services such as financing and insurance to all shipments of such products originating in Russia.

“A group of EU countries have opposed new guidelines from the EU executive that they fear will ease sanctions and could allow countries to transport Russian goods like coal around the world. Member states, according to people familiar with the talks, including Poland and the Baltic states, criticized the updated EU sanctions guidance during meetings between European ministers and asked the commission to delay the publication of the document until the matter is considered.

The sources noted that the commission told member states during the meeting that the clarifications were aimed at avoiding any negative impact on the food and energy security of third countries around the world, and were primarily centered around fertilizers.

The sources also said the country group was confused by the proposals and indicated that the new text made references to timber, some cement products and coal.

The West stepped up sanctions pressure on Russia over Ukraine, which led to higher prices for electricity, fuel and food in Europe and the United States. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that the policy of containing and weakening Russia is a long-term strategy for the West, and sanctions have dealt a serious blow to the entire global economy. According to him, the main goal of the West is to worsen the lives of millions of people.