The European Commission Tuesday proposed a new package of sanctions against Russia over its war with Ukraine, including measures to ban coal imports and to stop Russian vessels entering EU ports.
“We need to sustain utmost pressure at this critical point,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
The package includes an import ban on coal, which is the first time the EU has targeted Russia’s energy exports since the start of the invasion of Ukraine. It will also include a full transaction ban on four Russian banks to “further weaken Russia’s financial system.”
Under the plans, Russian shipping will be banned from accessing EU ports, although there will be exemptions including for energy. Russian and Belarusian road transport operators will also be banned from entering the EU.
The sanctions include further export bans in areas such as advanced semiconductors, machinery and transport equipment.
It also bans the participation of Russian companies in EU public procurement contracts and will include further listings of individuals.
Von der Leyen stressed that Brussels will continue working on additional sanctions, including on oil imports. The package will be discussed by EU ambassadors tomorrow.