EU set to renew sanctions on Russia

It is reported that the EU’s sanctions against Russia, currently set to expire on 31 July 2016, are to be renewed for a further 6 months. Some reports suggested that certain EU member states (e.g. Greece, Italy, and Hungary) were suggesting a rethink of the sanctions, reconsideration is now likely to be postponed until an EU summit in December. Diplomats are reported to have said that Russia’s patchy implementation of the Minsk peace agreement was a key factor behind the decision to postpone.

The sanctions due for renewal impose restrictions on Russia’s energy industry and financial sector, in addition to an arms embargo.