Coreper Deliberations on New Russia Sanctions

On an unspecified date in October 2025,​ the Coreper ⁤(Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU) began discussions in brussels regarding the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, initially proposed‍ by the European Commission ‍on September 20, 2025.Sources indicate the outcome of ⁢the deliberations is⁢ uncertain, ⁤with one source estimating a 50% chance of approval.

Pressure Mounts for Increased Economic⁤ Pressure

European Commission President Ursula ⁢von der Leyen,speaking in ​Copenhagen,urged increased pressure on Russia,citing a struggling Russian economy facing high interest rates (reportedly 17%) and persistent inflation. Ukrainian ​President Volodymyr Zelensky⁢ has also advocated‍ for the swift approval of the 19th package to‌ intensify economic pressure on Moscow following the perceived failure of its summer military offensive.

The proposed sanctions package includes a prohibition ⁢on imports of Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) into European markets, intended to replace previously sourced, cheaper gas supplies. Von der Leyen stated the need to “close ⁢the tap”‍ on ​Russian gas ⁢imports.

Slovakia Blocks Package over Gas Concerns

Slovakia,led by Prime Minister Robert Fico,is currently blocking the 19th sanctions package. Slovakia’s opposition is linked to the Repower ⁤EU plan, an initiative ⁣aimed at reducing​ reliance on Russian fossil fuels. While ​Hungary,⁤ under Viktor Orbán, presented fewer objections than Slovakia, Bratislava’s concerns center on the competitiveness of its automotive ‍industry, particularly given Slovakia’s landlocked​ status and anticipated increases in gas ​import prices.

These potential price​ increases raise concerns about energy costs and their impact on Slovakian industries and employment, especially considering the⁢ presence of Skoda, a Volkswagen Group company, within the country.