EU leaders are at odds over restrictions on Russian fertilizers.

At the last EU summit this year, leaders were unable to agree on a ninth package of sanctions against Russia due to disputes over restrictions on Russian fertilizers.

The countries came close to an agreement during the talks, but Poland and some other countries still had objections to the draft decision, Reuters reported, citing a European diplomat.

EU leaders are divided over whether to make it easier to export Russian fertilizer through European ports, even when the fertilizer companies are owned by blacklisted oligarchs.

Some believe the restrictions pose a threat to food security. Others, in particular Poland and the Baltic countries, are convinced that the easing of restrictions on Russian fertilizers will be used by sanctioned oligarchs to evade sanctions.

There are also those who are pushing for the World Food Program to be involved in obtaining permits to export fertilizers to countries that need them. A new draft of the sanctions resolution is expected to be tabled for discussion on Thursday evening.

The ninth package of EU sanctions against Russia – what you should know

On November 24, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the European Union is working on the introduction of the ninth package of sanctions against Russia. According to her, the EU is going to hit Russia “where it hurts” in order to reduce its ability to wage war against Ukraine.

According to the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, in general, it was planned to introduce sanctions against 200 individuals and legal entities. There were no disputes regarding individual sanctions. According to Borrell, the list includes those involved in the theft of Ukrainian grain and the deportation of Ukrainian citizens, especially children.

Also, according to the media, the EU, in particular, planned to introduce restrictions on Russian manufacturers of unmanned aerial vehicles and is considering restrictions on other technologies and components used by Moscow for military purposes.

In addition, measures aimed at additional services, investments and the media-financial sector of Russia were discussed. It was reported that Poland and the Baltic states are actively pushing for sanctions against Russian media to be included in the upcoming package.

On December 12, it became known that the heads of foreign policy departments of the European Union member states could not finally approve the ninth package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. Today, December 15, the sanctions package is being discussed at the summit of EU leaders in Brussels.