Phoenix 24
Maritime interests collide with Europe’s sanctions strategy.
Brussels | July 2026
Greece has blocked progress on the European Union’s latest sanctions package against Russia, demanding an exemption from the complete ban on transporting Russian liquefied natural gas. The restriction is scheduled to enter fully into force on January 1, 2027.
Athens does not seek Russian LNG for domestic consumption. It wants Greek shipping companies to continue transporting the fuel to customers outside the EU, arguing that other countries, particularly China, would replace them without significantly reducing Moscow’s energy revenues.
Several member states have criticized the demand because the LNG prohibition was previously approved unanimously. The dispute reflects Greece’s dependence on maritime commerce and the exposure of specialized operators whose vessels transport Russian gas from Arctic facilities.
The disagreement is also delaying decisions on the price cap for Russian oil. European officials must now reconcile national commercial interests with a sanctions strategy designed to reduce the income supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.
La unidad europea se debilita cuando el costo deja de ser compartido. / European unity weakens when the cost is no longer shared.