EU extends Russian sanctions by six months, overcoming Greek concerns

The European Union has agreed to extend sanctions on Russia by six months, overcoming initial opposition from the new Greek government. In an early sign of the battles that may lay ahead for the EU and the new regime in Athens, Greece had opposed the EU plan to extend sanctions on Russia following the escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine last weekend. However, Greek foreign minister Nikos Kotzias yesterday signed up to a proposal that will extend the sanctions, that had been due to expire on March 15th, to the end of September.

In addition, officials have been tasked with preparing a list of names of new individuals to be added to the sanction list that will be considered by ministers in 10 days.

After the meeting, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that while Greece had “stuck to its position” during it, its attitude had been “extremely constructive”. She said the agreed proposal was “a consensual decision, a substantial decision that is consistent and credible, very much in line with what was discussed with [European Council] president [Donald] Tusk at the weekend.”

She said she had spoken to Greek prime minister Antonis Tsipras and to the foreign minister ahead of the meeting.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said the decision to intensify measures against Russia sent a strong signal of unity from the EU, adding that he looked forward to continuing to work with the new Greek foreign minister.

“It’s absolutely essential that the European Union responds with one voice,” he said. “That oftentimes is challenging, reflecting 28 different national governments, but I’m very pleased that consensus was maintained.”

Ministers had also been briefed by military personnel on the situation on the ground in Ukraine, the Minister added.

He noted that more than 5,000 people had been killed since last April, while more than half a million people had been put out of their homes and more than 100,000 children had been displaced. “It’s a real humanitarian crisis,” he said.