Greece and Hungary won't agree to 11th sanctions package against Russia until Ukraine removes their companies from black list - media
BRUSSELS. June 8 (Interfax) - Greece and Hungary will continue to block the forthcoming 11th EU sanctions package against Russia until Kiev removes a number of their companies from its black list of organizations doing business with Moscow, Politico reports citing European diplomats.
"Greece and Hungary are demanding concessions on Ukraine's inclusion of a number of their companies on the list of 'hostilities sponsors.' Athens and Budapest want some of their companies removed from this list before they agree to a new package of sanctions," the publication says.
In addition, several EU countries, including Germany and France, expressed concern about the ban on circumvention of sanctions, "because they fear that it could harm diplomatic relations." In this regard, the European Commission has already softened its initial proposals. According to one of the diplomats, now the issue appears "resolved."
Sources noted that the EC presented new proposals for sanctions ahead of the meeting of EU permanent representatives on Wednesday, but they still were unable to reach agreements on the next package of anti-Russian measures.
EU permanent representatives are now expected to meet on June 14 to discuss the proposed sanctions and their potential agreement.
Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the 11th package of sanctions against Russia would be aimed primarily at preventing circumvention of existing restrictions.
In May, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he considers the EU sanctions policy towards Russia unsuccessful, and called the introduction of the 11th package of sanctions unreasonable.
At the same time, top European diplomat Josep Borrell acknowledged that the provision of a new tranche of financial assistance to Ukraine and the next package of sanctions against Russia raise questions not only for Hungary, but also for some other EU countries.
In turn, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna reported that the EU expects to complete work on the 11th package before the EU summit on June 29-30.