Fearing Trump’s victory, Europe seeks to strengthen sanctions against Russia

According to RCO News Agency, talks between EU officials and representatives are focused on several initiatives to ensure that European sanctions remain in place for the long term and strengthen them through stricter enforcement, even if Washington changes its approach.

The people familiar with the matter also said possible steps would include “blanket” clauses to identify and stop shipments of suspicious goods destined for Russia and broader restrictions on oil shipments, Reuters reported.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also said there were discussions about changing the condition that the freezing of Russian central bank assets must be renewed by European countries every six months.

A handful of member states are working on the idea of ​​a “blanket” clause that would apply to battlefield goods or a broader range of banned exports, three diplomats familiar with the matter said. This clause allows customs officials to stop shipments if the destination is illogical, such as passing through Russia to reach Central Asian countries.

Steps are being taken to anticipate a change in Washington’s stance if Trump is re-elected.

Tom Keating, of the Royal United Services think tank, said European policymakers were preparing “independent European sanctions given the possibility of Trump’s re-election” and should strengthen their implementation.

Trump has repeatedly emphasized in his election campaigns that if he wins the November 5 election, he will stop or slow down the transfer of military aid to Ukraine.

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