Latest news with #5th


The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
EU agrees 18th sanctions package against Russia
FILE PHOTO: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrives at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial meeting in Brussels, Belgium, July 14, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo


Japan Today
15-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
EU fails to approve new Russia sanctions; ball now in Slovakia's court, says EU foreign chief
FILE PHOTO: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrives at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial meeting in Brussels, Belgium, July 14, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo The European Union did not approve the 18th Russia sanctions package on Tuesday, the EU's foreign chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels. She said she was "really sad" the sanctions did not get approved, but hopeful a deal will be reached on Wednesday, adding that the ball is in Slovakia's court. Slovakia has been blocking the EU's latest sanctions package until its concerns are addressed over a separate EU proposal to phase out imports of Russian gas by January 1, 2028. Sources told Reuters on Monday that all elements of the package had been agreed, although one member state still had a reservation about a proposed lower price cap on Russian oil. The European Commission last month proposed the 18th package of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, aimed at Moscow's energy revenue, its banks, and its military industry. The new package proposes banning transactions with Russia's Nord Stream gas pipelines, as well as banks that engage in sanctions circumvention. It also proposes a floating price cap on Russian oil of 15% below the average market price of crude in the previous three months, EU diplomats have said. © Thomson Reuters 2025.


The Star
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
EU fails to approve new Russia sanctions, ball now in Slovakia's court, says EU foreign chief
FILE PHOTO: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrives at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial meeting in Brussels, Belgium, July 14, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union did not approve the 18th Russia sanctions package on Tuesday, the EU's foreign chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels. She said she was "really sad" the sanctions did not get approved, but hopeful a deal will be reached on Wednesday, adding that the ball is in Slovakia's court. Slovakia has been blocking the EU's latest sanctions package until its concerns are addressed over a separate EU proposal to phase out imports of Russian gas by January 1, 2028. Sources told Reuters on Monday that all elements of the package had been agreed, although one member state still had a reservation about a proposed lower price cap on Russian oil. The European Commission last month proposed the 18th package of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, aimed at Moscow's energy revenue, its banks, and its military industry. The new package proposes banning transactions with Russia's Nord Stream gas pipelines, as well as banks that engage in sanctions circumvention. It also proposes a floating price cap on Russian oil of 15% below the average market price of crude in the previous three months, EU diplomats have said. (Reporting by Andrew Gray, Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Alison Williams and Rod Nickel)

Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
EU fails to approve new Russia sanctions, ball now in Slovakia's court, says EU foreign chief
FILE PHOTO: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas arrives at the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial meeting in Brussels, Belgium, July 14, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo BRUSSELS - The European Union did not approve the 18th Russia sanctions package on Tuesday, the EU's foreign chief Kaja Kallas said after a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels. She said she was "really sad" the sanctions did not get approved, but hopeful a deal will be reached on Wednesday, adding that the ball is in Slovakia's court. Slovakia has been blocking the EU's latest sanctions package until its concerns are addressed over a separate EU proposal to phase out imports of Russian gas by January 1, 2028. Sources told Reuters on Monday that all elements of the package had been agreed, although one member state still had a reservation about a proposed lower price cap on Russian oil. The European Commission last month proposed the 18th package of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, aimed at Moscow's energy revenue, its banks, and its military industry. The new package proposes banning transactions with Russia's Nord Stream gas pipelines, as well as banks that engage in sanctions circumvention. It also proposes a floating price cap on Russian oil of 15% below the average market price of crude in the previous three months, EU diplomats have said. REUTERS


MTV Lebanon
15-07-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
15 Jul 2025 14:04 PM Rajji urges EU support for Lebanese sovereignty and army at Brussels summit
Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to asserting full sovereignty over its entire territory, as outlined in the Taif Agreement and reiterated in the ministerial declaration. Speaking at the 5th EU–Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Rajji urged the European Union to support Lebanon's sovereign rights, provide guarantees to prevent future escalation, and launch a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces—the only legitimate military force in the south alongside UNIFIL. Rajji noted the army's expanded deployment south of the Litani River, expected to reach 10,000 troops, as a clear signal of Lebanon's determination to protect its sovereignty and stabilize the region. Moreover, the Foreign Minister warned that the continued Israeli occupation of five strategic hills, despite US- and French-brokered understandings, remains a key obstacle to de-escalation. He called on the EU to intensify diplomatic efforts to halt violations and to renew UNIFIL's mandate. He also proposed a joint Euro-Arab conference for Lebanon's reconstruction and urged progress on the dignified return of Syrian refugees. On the sidelines, Rajji met with several Arab and EU foreign ministers, including Syria's Assad al-Shibani and Spain's José Manuel Albares, who is expected to visit Beirut this fall.