European Union diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas urged member states on Monday to keep sanctions against Russia unchanged as discussions continue over lifting measures against two Russian oligarchs.
Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Kallas emphasized that sanctions remain at the heart of Brussels policy designed to pressure Moscow into ending the war in Ukraine.
Ongoing discussions among member states
The Vice-President of the European Commission explained that several member states have requested the removal of certain individuals from the sanctions list, prompting ongoing talks among member nations. She expressed expectation that these negotiations will be completed as quickly as possible.
Kallas stated that the European Union clearly needs stability, meaning that existing sanctions must stay in force for a longer period. She added that European officials are currently working on drafting a new package of sanctions against Russia.
European diplomatic framework
Kallas serves as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, leading the European External Action Service. As the diplomatic arm of the bloc, the service coordinates common foreign and security policies across all member countries from its headquarters in Brussels.
Before assuming her current role in European leadership, Kallas served as the Prime Minister of Estonia. Throughout her political career, she has been a prominent supporter of strong European security measures and sustained economic pressure on Moscow following the military invasion of Ukraine.
Sanctions review and decision process
Sanctions imposed by the European Union require unanimous approval from all member states to be established, modified, or extended. The restrictive measures include economic penalties on key sectors of the Russian economy, alongside individual travel bans and asset freezes targeted at high-ranking officials and prominent business figures.
Because sanctions listings require periodic renewal by consensus, individual member states can raise objections or request exemptions for specific individuals during review talks. Such requests trigger diplomatic negotiations to maintain consensus across the bloc.
Diplomatic gathering in New York
The annual high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly brings together heads of state, foreign ministers, and diplomats from around the world at UN headquarters in New York. The summit provides a central venue for European leaders to align diplomatic strategy and conduct bilateral discussions on international security issues.
Work on the proposed new package of restrictions against Russia is set to continue alongside discussions regarding the current sanctions list as member state representatives meet throughout the week.
