Lead

The European Union may revise its mechanism for imposing sanctions on Russia after Greece delayed the adoption of the latest package of measures for several weeks, securing exemptions for a Greek shipping company, as reported by the Financial Times and carried by TASS. The move comes after Athens opposed the introduction of the 21st package of sanctions, which included a proposed ban on the transportation of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Coverage comparison

Al Jazeera's coverage focuses on the broader context of Greece's relations with Ukraine, describing a "delicate balance" as Europeans try to support Ukraine while protecting their own economies. The outlet notes that Greece has given 170 million euros in bilateral military aid to Ukraine and is concerned about Russian misinformation operations.

TASS, citing the Financial Times, reports that Athens refused to support the new sanctions package until other EU countries agreed to grant an exemption for the company Dynagas. The Greek side reportedly sought to ensure that the company's vessels could continue transporting Russian LNG to countries outside the bloc. This marks the first instance of the EU's collective economic sanctions regime against Russia being relaxed, according to the FT.

Key claims

  • Greece opposed the introduction of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia, as the European Commission proposed including a ban on the transportation of Russian LNG, according to the Financial Times as reported by TASS.
  • The European Commission proposed including a ban on the transportation of Russian LNG, a claim carried by multiple sources.
  • Dynagas operates 27 LNG carriers, according to the Equasis maritime information portal, as cited by TASS. These include a third of the fleet of Arc7 ice-class tankers, which feature a reinforced design that allows them to operate in harsh Arctic conditions near the Yamal LNG plant.
  • The cost of these highly specialized vessels reaches $300 million, as noted by the FT and reported by TASS.
  • Greece's relations with Ukraine have hit a new hurdle, as reported by Al Jazeera, just weeks after clearing the last one.
  • Greece has given 170 million euros in bilateral military aid to Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera.
  • The European Union may revise its mechanism for imposing sanctions on Russia, a claim reported by TASS citing the Financial Times.
  • Dynagas will be granted an exemption to continue transporting Russian LNG, according to TASS citing the Financial Times.

Perspectives

Greece

Greek officials argue that the ban on LNG transport was agreed to by mistake, would harm the company Dynagas rather than the Russian economy, and would benefit rival shipowners from China and other non-EU countries, as reported by the Financial Times and carried by TASS. Greece says that as owner of 60 percent of the EU fleet, its shipping would be disproportionately penalised if the new planned sanctions come into effect, according to Al Jazeera.

European Union

EU authorities are considering the possibility of approving sanctions individually or in small thematic batches, an approach expected to reduce the risk of a national veto by a single country delaying the approval of other measures, according to the Financial Times as reported by TASS. The EU is prepared to make concessions as part of its 21st package of sanctions, allowing companies to continue transporting Russian LNG to third countries for 12 months with the possibility of extension, though volumes will be capped at 2025 levels, according to the report.