Poland and the Baltic states propose to ban the import of Russian LNG

Poland and the Baltic states propose to include a ban on imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and aluminum from Russia in the 13th package of sanctions against Russia, DW reports, citing a Polish official.

In addition, Poland and the Baltic states propose to ban scientific cooperation and funding for joint research.

Other proposals by the four countries include further measures to combat sanctions circumvention, tighter restrictions in the aviation sector, and expansion of the list of banned products used for the production of drones.

In 2023, EU countries increased their imports of LNG from Russia by 40% compared to the pre-war period, Reuters reported.

Spain and Belgium became the largest importers. At the time, Spanish Energy Minister Teresa Ribera told Reuters that Russian LNG would be the subject of EU sanctions talks.

EU countries began discussing a new package of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine last week, Bloomberg reported.

The next, 13th package of sanctions is scheduled to be adopted by the second anniversary of the start of the war on February 24.

It is expected to include new lists of individuals and entities, new trade restrictions and additional measures to combat sanctions circumvention through companies in the EU and in third countries, Bloomberg wrote.

The sanctions were discussed during a meeting of EU ambassadors. Reaching an agreement by February 24 will not be easy, as the approval of the previous package required several weeks of negotiations, the agency emphasizes.

Background. It was also reported that Finland plans to ban imports of Russian liquefied natural gas.