Russian fish imports

The EU is preparing its 21st sanctions package against Russia, including shadow fleet listings, transaction bans, and limits on Russian fish imports, driven by the need to stabilize the oil price cap before market changes. Analysts argue these measures have failed to weaken the Russian economy, which shows record real wages and low inflation despite high interest rates.

Italy and France are opposing the EU's proposal to ban former Russian combatants from entering the bloc, arguing the measure could lead to a broader ban on Russian citizens and should be managed via visa policy. The proposal is part of the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia, which also faces disagreements over oil price cap freezes, shadow fleet restrictions, and Russian fish imports.