The Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, stated on Wednesday, September 2, that there is a "fairly consensual understanding" in the European Union to adopt a "very demanding sanctions package" against Russia, which could be approved in October. The statements were made at the end of the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland.
According to Paulo Rangel, the sanctions package essentially targets individuals and companies, potentially covering more than one thousand people and entities. The head of Portuguese diplomacy considered that these targeted sanctions "have proven to be the most effective, because they have an impact on the lives of decision-makers in the Russian Federation."
The EU's chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, had indicated in August that she would present the "most ambitious ever" sanctions package against Russia, potentially targeting around 1,600 individuals and entities from the Russian military complex. This would be the EU's 22nd sanctions package against Russia.
The informal meeting in Wicklow takes place at a time of strong tension with Russia, after the German government held Moscow responsible for the attack attempt at Leipzig airport on August 4, using a drone loaded with explosives.
