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Greece and Malta Block New EU Sanctions on Russian Oil

Published February 13, 2026, 09:18
Greece and Malta Block New EU Sanctions on Russian Oil

Greece and Malta are hindering the approval of new European Union sanctions on Russian oil, according to a Bloomberg report. The two countries disagree with the proposal for a complete ban on services required to transport Russian oil, preferring the existing price cap system. They are concerned about the potential impact on the European shipping industry and energy prices. The European Commission proposes abolishing the price cap and imposing stricter measures, such as a ban on insurance and financing for the transport of Russian oil. Greece declined to comment on the information, while Malta stated that it is participating in discussions for an implementable and effective package of measures. The United States' position on this change remains unclear, while the discussion brings to the forefront the effectiveness and side effects of sanctions.