The vote on restrictive measures was postponed until Monday, September 15
Ambassadors of EU member states were unable to reach an agreement on extending personal sanctions related to the Russian aggression during a meeting on Friday. Negotiations were blocked by Slovakia and France, both requesting that certain individuals be removed from the sanction lists. This was reported by Economichna Pravda citing European Pravda, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Rikard Jozwiak, Europe editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, reported on the obstacles hindering the approval of these measures. According to his information, diplomats intend to hold further discussions on Monday, which marks the final day before the current sanction period expires on September 15.
The delays are caused by demands to remove specific Russian businessmen from the lists. Slovakia continues to push for lifting restrictions on Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov, while France has joined the effort, specifically requesting the removal of Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions regime.
This is not the first instance of Slovakia attempting to secure relief for these individuals. During the previous extension of personal sanctions on March 14, the country also blocked the decision until the last moment, demanding that the mentioned oligarchs be struck from the list.
Photo: Economichna Pravda
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