Estonia threatens to block the new EU sanctions package if it doesn’t include a reduction in the Russian oil price ceiling.

The country is considering vetoing the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia in order to pressure other member states to lower the maximum price for Russian oil. The Estonian foreign ministry believes that lowering the price ceiling from $60 to $45 per barrel would be the most significant part of the new sanctions package. They want to exclude restrictions on Mediterranean countries with large shipping sectors, such as Cyprus, Greece, and Malta. As a result, Estonia is prepared to veto the package without this provision.

Meanwhile, on July 9 EU ambassadors again failed to approve the 18th sanctions package after Slovakia blocked its passage. An agreement on the restrictions is expected to be reached this week, with the EU Foreign Affairs Council scheduled to approve it on July 15.

At the same time, Norway is following the EU by imposing sanctions against Russian shipping companies Norebo JSC and Murman Seafood, which are linked to Russian espionage activities.