No practical steps on 21st package of sanctions by EU expected in near future — source

The European Union has officially unveiled its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, targeting critical revenue streams in energy, finance, and trade, including, for the first time, Russia fishing sector. While the European Commission is pushing for approval 'within June', a diplomatic source suggests practical steps towards final adoption may not materialize immediately, underscoring the persistent challenge of securing unanimous consent from all 27 EU member states. These sweeping measures aim to further cripple Moscow's war economy amidst ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Proposed by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on June 9, 2026, the package tightens restrictions on nearly 90 Russian banks, extends transaction bans to over 30 banks in Russia and third countries, and significantly broadens export controls on drone manufacturing components and military-industrial complex supplies. It also seeks to freeze the Russian oil price cap until January 2027 and blacklist 30 additional 'shadow fleet' vessels involved in circumventing existing oil restrictions, alongside new import bans on critical metals, car parts, and certain fish products. The push comes as the EU grapples with maintaining unity within its Common Foreign and Security Policy, where the unanimity rule often complicates or delays collective action, a dynamic that has historically impacted the adoption of previous sanctions regimes, particularly concerning member states like Hungary. With the European Commission pressing for swift approval ahead of a July 15 deadline for reviewing the existing oil price cap, the immediate focus shifts to intense behind-the-scenes negotiations among member states. The ambitious scope of this 21st package, extending to areas like crypto-asset services and entry bans for Russian combatants, indicates a resolve to close loopholes and broaden punitive measures as part of its ongoing economic warfare. However, the past record of arduous consensus-building suggests that while the package's intent is clear, its final form and precise timing of implementation will depend heavily on diplomatic efforts to overcome any national objections, keeping observers focused on the critical discussions throughout June and July.