EU countries expect 'simple' 17th Russia sanctions package

EU diplomats say that the EU countries are not expecting any major restrictions to be added in the next package against Russia of sanctions, which will be shared by the Commission with the member states on Tuesday.

They said the package proposal was earlier than expected and that member states had not been formally consulted on its contents in advance, as has been standard for Russian measures in the past. Sources said that the work of the Commission on new measures had been slow and new restrictions would not be expected until June.

Sources said that the package will likely contain stricter export controls as well as a new listing of sales related to technology which can be used for Russia's military and shadow fleet vessels. Moscow has built a large fleet that operates outside western networks in order to export oil and purchase ammunition.

One source said the goal was to demonstrate that the 27-member bloc could "still agree on anything against Russia" following repeated veto threat from Hungary's Russia friendly government.

Last week, France's Foreign Minister told AFP that the EU would coordinate timing for its next package. Washington officials have finalised new sanctions against Russia in order to increase pressure on Moscow in support of President Donald Trump's efforts in ending the war in Ukraine. It was not clear if Trump would approve the new restrictions which included new targets like Russia's Gas behemoth Gazprom. (Reporting and editing by Sharon Singleton; Julia Payne)

(source: Reuters)