Dispute over Russian oligarch Usmanov threatens EU sanctions renewal
EU member states failed to agree on renewing sanctions against roughly 3,000 Russian individuals, organizations and companies after Slovakia demanded oligarch Alisher Usmanov be removed from the list. A temporary seven-day extension was agreed while talks continue.
European Union member states were unable to reach agreement on Monday to renew sanctions against more than 3,000 Russian individuals, organizations and companies, according to a representative of Ireland, which currently holds the EU Council presidency.
The sanctions had been due to expire on Tuesday, so member states agreed on a stopgap measure — extending the deadline by seven days, until midnight on September 22. Further negotiations are planned to take place during that period in an effort to reach a final agreement.
Root of the disagreement
According to information obtained by the news agency DPA, the main source of the dispute is Slovakia's demand to remove Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list. Slovakia has indicated it is prepared to block the extension of the entire sanctions package unless this demand is met.
Diplomats say Slovakia's position on this matter has recently gained support from France as well.
Other EU member states are so far unwilling to agree to Usmanov's removal from the list. Their concern is that such a step could set a precedent, potentially encouraging other sanctioned Russian citizens to file lawsuits seeking to have their own restrictions lifted as well.
Prior investigation in Germany
The report notes that German prosecutors had previously investigated Usmanov over suspected violations of foreign trade and payments law, as well as possible breaches of sanctions. That case was closed after a fine of ten million euros was paid.
Whether the sanctions renewal goes through now depends on whether member states can reach a compromise within the seven-day window.
