Two EU countries blocked sanctions on russian oil

This was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources, according to European Pravda.

According to the agency's interlocutors, these two southern European countries expressed concern about this move at a meeting of EU ambassadors on Monday, where the latest package of sanctions against russia was presented.

They expressed fears that such a replacement could affect the European shipping industry and energy prices, the sources said.

Both countries also asked for clarification on proposals to impose sanctions on foreign ports for handling russian oil and to tighten oversight of ship sellers to reduce the number of ships entering Moscow's fleet, the sources added.

A Greek government representative declined to comment. Nestor Laver, the Maltese government's representative in Brussels, said the country was ‘engaged in technical discussions to ensure that the final outcome can be implemented.’

Last week, the European Commission proposed replacing the current price cap on russian oil sales with a ban on services necessary for its transport.

This proposal is a central element of the EU's 20th package of sanctions for russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

EU sanctions require the support of all member states for approval and may change before they are adopted. The EU plans to finalise the package of restrictive measures by the end of February.

Source: European Pravda, Bloomberg