Valdis Dobrovskis, the commission’s executive vice-president, said sanctions targeting Russian oil and coal were “certainly an option” for the commission, but that a consensus between member states would be needed. Some capitals have expressed skepticism about the idea. “There is talk of what can be done in the energy sector, such as coal and oil,” Dobrowski said as he arrived at a meeting of finance ministers in Luxembourg. “What is important in this situation is that we are approaching a strong and credible package of sanctions.” Also attending the meeting, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire reiterated France’s openness to coal and oil measures, stressing that it was crucial to maintain the unity of the 27 member states on sanctions. “I think there is an overall determination of all 27 Member States to step up sanctions and that is the key point,” he said. Finance ministers hold talks ahead of a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels tomorrow to discuss the fifth package of sanctions following Russia’s total invasion of its neighbor on February 24. While some Member States want to target Russia’s energy sector, others, such as Germany and Germany and Austria, have warned of a sudden decision to cut imports. The EU is not currently discussing reducing Russian gas imports, but officials are more open about oil or especially coal. Other sanctions on the table include restrictions on other types of exports to Russia, including high-tech components, new registrations of Kremlin-linked individuals, and the closure of gaps in existing measures. Pressure for new sanctions has risen following allegations that Russian forces have committed atrocities against civilians around Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. Russia has denied the allegations. The finance ministers plan to discuss the sanctions on Tuesday morning, as well as have talks with Ukraine’s finance minister via video link. They will also try to reach a consensus on the implementation of a minimum real corporate tax rate by the EU following a global OECD agreement reached last year.
