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EU Sanctions Against Russia Diluted by Greece's LNG Exemption

EU Sanctions Against Russia Diluted by Greece's LNG Exemption

First seen 1 Oct 2026, 17:04 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster •October 1, 2026 at 21:05 UTC
  • •Greece's exemption allows continued LNG shipments from Russia, undermining EU sanctions.
  • •The 21st sanctions package was significantly diluted due to national interests.
  • •The EU froze the oil price cap at $44 per barrel for a year, preventing further financial relief to Russia.

On July 23, 2026, the EU agreed to its 21st sanctions package against Russia, following intense negotiations. Greece secured an exemption allowing it to continue shipping Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to non-EU clients under pre-invasion contracts. This concession raises concerns about the influence of national interests on the EU's sanctions strategy. The package was described as significantly watered down, with Greece's veto previously threatening the deal. The EU managed to freeze the price cap on Russian oil at $44 per barrel for 12 months, avoiding a politically damaging adjustment. The ongoing exemptions granted to member states like Greece, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia indicate a pattern of weakening sanctions. This situation highlights the challenges the EU faces in maintaining a united front against Russia amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.

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Timeline

2026-07-23
EU sanctions package agreed
The EU reached an agreement on its 21st sanctions package against Russia after Greece secured an LNG shipping exemption.
Euronews

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Common questions

What does the LNG exemption mean for EU sanctions?
The exemption allows Greece to continue shipping Russian LNG, potentially undermining the effectiveness of EU sanctions.
How has Greece influenced the sanctions package?
Greece's veto power led to significant concessions, including the LNG exemption, highlighting national interests in EU negotiations.
What is the current status of the oil price cap?
The EU has frozen the oil price cap at $44 per barrel for the next 12 months to prevent financial relief for Russia.