The new government of Portugal supports the European Union's intention to strengthen sanctions on the Russian energy sector due to the invasion of Ukraine, states Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment and Energy of Portugal.
It is expected that the next package of sanctions proposed by the European Commission will, for the first time, include restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), including a ban on transshipment to the EU.
This will not directly prohibit the import of Russian LNG into the EU but will prohibit the provision of services for transshipment through EU capacities to third countries.
The Minister stated that the government of Portugal supports the energy policy of the European Union, specifically measures aimed at ensuring our strategic sovereignty. She also stated her support for strengthening sanctions to pressure Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine.
EU sanctions against Russia
Currently, the European Union has imposed 13 rounds of sanctions against Russia for its war against Ukraine. The preparation process for the adoption of the 14th package is underway.
Meanwhile, France and the Netherlands are pushing for the EU to be able to impose sanctions on any bank worldwide that assists Russian military personnel in paying for goods or technologies for the production of weapons.