The proposed sanctions differ by country. Finland wants to ban Russian tourists from the entire European Union, while Lithuania aims to prohibit the transit of Russian grain. Estonia has already implemented such a grain ban. Several governments are pushing for joint European agreements.
Finnish Foreign Minister Valtonen calls for a complete European ban on tourist visas for Russians. Russian athletes should also face stricter restrictions. The Netherlands has refused visas to three top gymnasts, including world champion Angelina Melnikova, for the World Championships next week in Rotterdam. Other Russian participants are allowed to come.
Poland
Tensions are also rising in the security domain. In Germany, two Turkish men were arrested, suspected of arson at a Starlink satellite station in Poland. The Polish government accuses Russian security services of involvement. The suspects must be handed over to Poland to stand trial there for sabotage on behalf of a foreign intelligence service.
Promotion
Brexit referendum
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has become the first UK government leader to openly confirm that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum. According to Burnham, after taking office, UK authorities gave him an affirmative answer when he inquired about Russian interference. He did not provide further details or evidence.
Dutch Minister of Defense Dilan Yesilgöz has for the first time called Russia 'the enemy.' Prime Minister Jetten has not (yet) repeated this statement. So far, the Netherlands publicly refers to Russia as 'the aggressor.'
Russian export
The Russian grain trade is also under scrutiny. Lithuania wants the EU to prohibit not only the purchase but also the transit of Russian grain through European ports. Estonia has already banned transit through its own territory. Latvia desires stricter joint controls. Lithuania is also calling for sanctions against Russian agricultural entrepreneurs who support the war.
According to Lithuania, Russia uses European ports and transport routes to ship Russian grain to other countries. Existing European import duties do not fully prevent this transit. Ukraine supports the Baltic initiative. At the same time, Kyiv is trying to secure its own agricultural exports through alternative routes, including with assistance from Romania.
Danube and Black Sea
Ukraine and Romania have agreed to run six freight trains daily to the Port of Constanța, with plans to expand to ten. They also want to increase shipping via the Danube. Additionally, better border crossings are being developed, and a new Danube bridge between the two countries is being explored.
The safety of shipping on the Black Sea is also on the European agenda. After drone attacks on two cargo ships off the Bulgarian coast, Bulgaria and Romania are preparing a joint letter to NATO. They seek better monitoring and information sharing. Meanwhile, Ukraine is discussing international proposals to stop attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure. A Russian response is still awaited.