EU countries agree to sanction Nord Stream and reduce Russian oil price ceiling
In the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, EU countries agreed to a ban on the Nord Stream gas pipeline.
According to RIA Novosti on July 18, the head of foreign and security policy of the European Union (EU) Kaja Kallas told the social network X that the permanent representatives of EU countries have agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia.
“We sanction another 105 ships of the ‘dark fleet’ and restrict access to finance for Russian banks. There will be a ban on the Nord Stream gas pipeline,” said Kaja Kallas.
The European Union has imposed restrictions on Russia's Rosneft's largest oil refinery in India for the first time. Reuters, citing diplomatic sources, clarified that the new sanctions package also includes a reduction in the price ceiling for Russian oil to about $47.60 a barrel.
Currently, the community countries must approve the sanctions at ministerial level, after which they will be published in the EU's official journal and will come into force.
Previously, this 18th package of sanctions was not passed, because Slovakia and Hungary tried to prevent it, because they were concerned about the negative consequences of the ban on Russian energy imports into the EU.
In May 2025, the European Commission announced plans to completely abandon Russian energy sources. Specifically, gas, oil and nuclear fuel.
The proposal is to impose a ban on imports under new Russian gas contracts and existing spot deals later this year. The ban could also affect remaining pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Russia under long-term contracts. The EU says such measures are designed to “maintain the security of energy supplies to the European Union and limit any impact on prices and markets.”
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that Western Europe proudly declares its rejection of Russian energy resources, but in fact continues to purchase them through third countries.
