Division Over Oil Sanctions for Ukraine

Will the updated Commission’s proposal on sanctions accommodate Slovak, Czech and Bulgarian requests and will Hungary get its exemption?

The issue on sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has become a contentious issue in the region.

EU/regional:

• The final report from the Conference on the Future of Europe will be announced on 9 May in Strasbourg to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country holds the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU.
• New sanctions on Russian oil have been postponed due to a lack of agreement. Slovakia and the Czech Republic want more time while Hungary seems to be pushing for a total exemption from the sanctions. A new proposal will likely be presented on 10 May.
• Putin holds a 9 May Victory Day parade with a possibility of mass mobilisation. Read our expert responses to our survey here. Russia has deployed six ships and two submarines near Ukraine in the Black Sea. Ukraine’s Operational Command South reported on 8 May that the ships are combat-ready and equipped with over 50 cruise missiles 
• On 10 May the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Security and Defence Subcommittee will debate with Ambassador Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the safety and security of nuclear installations in Ukraine.  Also on 10 May the Inquiry Committee on the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware will kick off its investigation with a hearing of IT security experts.
• On 12 May Finland’s Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto will discuss with the Foreign Affairs Committee the implications for the EU and Finland of the war in Ukraine as well as the country’s possible bid to join NATO. Also on 12 May The Foreign Affairs Committee will adopt a series of recommendations to Council and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell to further strengthen the EU’s response to global security threats and its ability to keep citizens safe.
• Throughout the week Political groups will prepare for the 18-19 May plenary session, taking place in Brussels, where MEPs will debate European solidarity and energy security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly concerning gas supply cuts to Poland and Bulgaria, as well as the fight against impunity for war crimes in Ukraine. Members will also hold a debate with Moldova’s President Maia Sandu. Still, during the session, Parliament will vote on resolutions assessing the social and economic consequences of the war in Ukraine as well as North Macedonia and Albania’s progress towards EU membership.

Russian Attacks on 9 May

Ukraine: