Dhe EU countries nonetheless can not agree on an oil embargo against Russia. The background is a dispute about exceptions for some states that are significantly depending on Russian oil. A subsequent spherical of negotiations between the everlasting representatives of the states was scheduled for Sunday, because the French EU Council Presidency introduced on Twitter.
The EU Fee had beforehand proposed a compromise that will give Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic extra time to totally implement the supply cease. For a number of countries, nevertheless, the proposal didn’t go far sufficient.
wrestle for concessions
Diplomats stated bilateral talks have been ongoing with Hungary and different countries. The countries had due to this fact demanded additional concessions, comparable to extra time, but in addition monetary help. Bulgaria, amongst others, additionally desires an exemption.
The sanctions package deal can solely be applied if all countries agree. The purpose is to finalize the package deal by the weekend – it’s nonetheless unclear whether or not this can succeed.
Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are closely depending on Russian oil, all of which is provided through the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline. In accordance with the nationwide statistics authority, the Czech Republic coated round half of its oil consumption from Russian sources in 2021.
In Hungary, in line with the federal government, 65 % come from Russia. In accordance with the nationwide working firm Transpetrol, Russia is the one supply of oil for Slovakia. In accordance with the EU Fee, deliveries to those countries solely make up a really small proportion of whole EU imports of Russian oil.
With a view to the Ukraine battle and the deliberate embargo on Russian oil, the Vice President of the European Parliament, Katarina Barley (SPD), has referred to as for the vitality transition to be sped up. “It has turn into clear that we should not solely turn into impartial of fossil fuels, but in addition of countries with which we truly don’t wish to do enterprise,” stated Barley. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are not an excellent various. As EU prime politician, Barley was a visitor at a cross-border celebration of Europe Day in Guben and Gubin.
Extra independence can also be wanted in different industrial sectors, for instance within the space of digitization. “We’ve to ensure that we additionally settle all these applied sciences in Europe,” stated Barley. “We will not at all times depend on smart folks governing within the USA, for instance, we have already seen that.”
