Two EU diplomats informed POLITICO that the European Commission has adopted a firmer stance regarding the current sanctions round. Unlike typical practice, where they would avoid propositions likely to face a veto, this time the EU executive seems to care less about such outcomes.
Von der Leyen is set to attend the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, potentially announcing significant sanctions, pressuring Washington to take a tougher stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin for negotiations towards peace with Ukraine.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump has shown little interest in a proposal by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to impose a 500 percent tariff on countries purchasing energy from Russia.
“This approach is definitely different,” one diplomat remarked on the Commission’s latest proposal. “They are ambitious and openly stating their aims [at a press conference]. Without an agreement, von der Leyen might appear weak.”
A crucial moment is expected later this month, leading up to the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels on June 26-27.
The second diplomat maintained that the Commission “wouldn’t propose if they don’t see options” for the package’s adoption, remaining unfazed by Fico’s threats. “We have 17 packages and see no reason not to have another.”
Both diplomats believed an agreement is feasible, as Hungary and Slovakia were less vocal behind the scenes than in public.
Gabriel Gavin reported from Gdańsk. Koen Verhelst reported from Brussels.













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