Germany blocks EU permanent representatives' agreement on latest sanctions package against Russia - media

BRUSSELS. June 17 (Interfax) - The European Union's permanent representatives were unsuccessful on Friday in agreeing on the latest sanctions against Russia owing to Germany's blocking position, Politico said.

"Berlin was worried about broadening a measure that would force EU companies to ensure their customers cannot then sell sanctioned goods on to Moscow," Politico said, explaining that, "Germany is worried that its small businesses would suffer if this were expanded to more civilian products, like chemicals, or machinery for metalworking."

Politico previously said that the so-called clause banning deliveries to Russia only applied to firearms, military equipment, as well as dual-use goods with both military and civilian applications.

"Berlin had also stood in the way of closing a loophole that would allow high-end goods, including luxury cars, to transit from Belarus to Russia, forcing Belgium to launch separate talks in a bid to accelerate a deal," the publication said.

"The European Commission is negotiating with the German chancellery in order to convince Berlin to lift its veto," Politico said

"The sanctions on the table were to have been the 14th package backed by EU member countries," according to the publication.