EU again fails to agree on extending sanctions against Russia over dispute regarding Usmanov and Fridman
On the morning of September 22, EU ambassadors once again failed to agree on extending individual sanctions imposed for undermining the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The dispute concerns a compromise proposal to extend the restrictions for three years in exchange for removing Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list.
The EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) held another meeting in Brussels, but unanimous agreement among the 27 member states was not reached. The Irish presidency of the Council of the EU decided to extend the written voting procedure until 15:00 Kyiv time.
The compromise being discussed by diplomats involves extending the sanctions for 36 months instead of the usual six. In return, Usmanov and Fridman would be removed from the sanctions list.
Slovakia has been pushing for the removal of both businessmen during recent rounds of negotiations. France separately insists on lifting restrictions on Usmanov. According to Le Monde, Luxembourg has also raised the issue of removing Fridman in exchange for concessions on Usmanov.
The agreement, which began taking shape on September 21, could not be finalized due to objections from Latvia. Riga supports the idea of extending the entire sanctions regime for 36 months but refuses to accept the automatic removal of two Russian businessmen as a condition for such a decision.
"Extending sanctions for 36 months would be the right step. However, the price cannot be the simple removal of these two individuals from the sanctions list. Such a proposal is unacceptable to Latvia," said Andris Kulbergs.
He noted that the Latvian side will continue negotiations with Brussels and Paris to find an alternative compromise. Latvia also convened an extraordinary government meeting to discuss the situation.
The problem is that extending individual sanctions requires unanimous support from all 27 EU countries. After the previous emergency seven-day extension, the current regime expires at midnight on September 22.
If a new agreement is not reached in time, not only the restrictions against Usmanov and Fridman but the entire sanctions list could be at risk. The list includes about 3,000 individuals and entities, including Vladimir Putin, representatives of the Russian government and business.
The EU imposes this regime on persons and organizations it considers responsible for actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Sanctions include asset freezes and a ban on entry to the EU.
France previously explained its demand regarding Usmanov to partners as "national security considerations". According to European media, Paris also considered the issue in the context of negotiations to release French citizens detained in Azerbaijan.
Sources: "European Pravda", statement by Andris Kulbergs, Le Monde
