According to sources at Bloomberg, the European Union is considering introducing new trade measures against Russian oil imports to Slovenia and Hungary unless these imports are phased out.
However, two V4 countries have so far spoken out against tougher sanctions against Moscow, citing their own energy security. Slovakia and Hungary argue that their refineries remain highly dependent on Russian oil, both technically and logistically.
The measures are the subject of internal negotiations, and a final decision has not yet been made.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously stated that the Commission wanted to propose accelerating the phase-out of Russian fossil fuel imports.
Slovakia and Hungary are exceptions
Most member states have already stopped these imports or committed to phasing them out by the end of 2027, but Hungary and Slovakia remain exceptions.
According to the information available, Brussels may take trade measures if Budapest and Bratislava do not present concrete plans to move away from Russian fuels. The measures would primarily affect supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, which is the main source of supply for both countries.
EU also targets Russian gas and hundreds of tankers
The sanctions package presented on Friday includes a ban on imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. This would apply to short-term contracts six months after it comes into force and to long-term contracts from January 1, 2027.
Brussels is also proposing sanctions against more than a hundred tankers in the so-called shadow fleet, as well as measures against companies that broker energy trading in third countries. While sanctions must be decided unanimously by all member states, trade measures such as tariffs only require a majority.
The European Union is therefore considering new measures against Russian energy sources that would help it meet US President Donald Trump's demand. Trump made his support for joint sanctions against Moscow conditional on the EU stopping purchases of Russian oil and gas.
G7 prepares new sanctions package
The United States is urging its allies in the G7 group to impose 100% tariffs on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Washington believes that such a move could force President Vladimir Putin to negotiate on Ukraine.
However, according to Bloomberg, this proposal is likely to meet with resistance in some G7 capitals. At the same time, the bloc is preparing a new package of sanctions, which is to be finalized this month.
The measures include interventions against major Russian oil companies, as well as against networks and ships that enable Moscow to continue exporting and profiting from oil trade.