EU Moves Toward Total Ban on Russian Military Personnel Entry: Which Member States Are Holding Up Sanctions.

New Sanctions Package Targets Russia

According to Espreso.tv: On June 9, 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the 21st sanctions package against the Russian Federation. This package proposes a ban on entry into European Union countries for all individuals who have served in Russia's armed forces since the start of the war. The measure aims to intensify pressure on Moscow amid its military aggression in Ukraine.

In addition, 11 EU member states have formally requested that the European Commission impose mandatory restrictions on issuing multiple-entry visas to Russian citizens. This step is intended to limit the ability of Russian nationals to travel to EU countries while the conflict continues. However, not all member nations back these proposals.

Internal Disputes Among EU States

Bulgaria, for instance, has announced its intention to block the entire sanctions package due to the inclusion of Patriarch Kirill on the sanctions list. This move has sparked disagreements among member states, delaying the package's adoption. The standoff over the entry ban and other issues continues to create obstacles to implementing new sanctions against Russia.

As a result, the situation surrounding the sanctions package remains tense, with discussions drawing mixed reactions across EU countries.

This latest sanctions package is part of the European Union's broader effort to ramp up pressure on Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Although most member states support the measures, diverging national positions could slow their implementation. This underscores the complexity of EU internal politics, where varying national interests can affect unity on foreign policy matters.