The German government is blocking the negotiation process on a new package of EU anti-Russian sanctions, German news agency DPA reported, citing diplomatic sources in Brussels.
“The federal government is blocking progress in negotiations on the next package of EU sanctions against Russia… Germany’s deliberations and requests for amendments are the decisive reason why the sanctions plans could not be finalised so far,” the DPA said in a report.
The new sanctions are expected to target “circumvention” of existing restrictions. It is also planned to impose tough measures on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) businesses for the first time. The European Commission plans to ban the shipment of Russian LNG by sea from some ports, including Belgian Zeebrugge to third countries.
Agency sources say the German government is concerned about the measures, which should “make it more difficult to circumvent sanctions.” The Federal Republic of Germany demands to limit to certain goods or to cross out of the plans the clause concerning the liability of the subsidiaries of the companies in case of violation of the restrictions. According to DPA, the reason for this is probably the fear that German companies may be held liable in such a case.
Earlier, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said that his friendly relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin could help settle the Ukrainian conflict.