Europe sanctions

SANCTIONS STALLED AGAIN?

Via Facebook

The Finns on Monday were able to put off the announcement of further EU sectoral sanctions to today. However van Rompuy said in the evening on Monday that the sanctions had been agreed in principle the previous Friday and would be imposed today unless all 28 EU members decided otherwise.

The news today is that the sanctions decision has been again put back until next week and that the rebellion against sanctions has increased with another three EU states joining Finland in demanding a further delay. Apparently several other EU states are also expressing doubts.

This is a puzzle since it does not correspond with what van Rompuy said on Monday. If opposition from just four states is enough to put the decision off until next week then it seems a decision to delay does not need the agreement of all 28 states. Or perhaps the disagreements are now becoming so strong that the EU dare not make a decision that might cause some EU states to break ranks and go public with their opposition?

Whatever the facts the EU's unity looks broken at least for the moment.

---Alexander Mercouris