EU prepares stronger Russia sanctions amid possible Trump return
European diplomats are preparing to bolster sanctions against Russia in the event of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s return, a scenario that could undermine Western efforts to isolate Moscow, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Discussions among European officials are focused on measures to ensure the long-term enforcement of sanctions, including the adoption of “catch-all” clauses that would enable the blocking of suspicious shipments to Russia and impose stricter restrictions on oil transport.
Consideration is also being given to modifying the provision that currently mandates the renewal every six months of the freeze on Russian Central Bank assets—a measure widely regarded as the most significant Western sanction against Moscow. A proposal has been put forward to extend this renewal interval to 36 months.
This preparation comes amid Trump’s repeated statements about his intention to scale back military aid to Ukraine and to swiftly negotiate a peace deal with Moscow, though he has not clarified his position on sanctions.
European Union diplomats are also debating a 15th sanctions package that could include prohibiting the transshipment of goods to Russia via European companies operating in third countries, along with a ban on the re-export of dual-use military products. These discussions have intensified in anticipation of Poland assuming the rotating EU Council presidency early next year, particularly as Hungary, the current president, has expressed reluctance regarding sanctions.
Member states are further discussing an expansion of the “No Russia” clause, which bans the export of specific goods to Russia, notably dual-use items and military equipment.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
