Greece clinches LNG exemption as EU approves 21st Russia sanctions package
EU negotiators approved a 21st sanctions package against Russia, tightening penalties on vessels, banks, and oil traders; Greece won a derogation to allow some Russian LNG shipments to non-EU clients for pre-invasion contracts, while the oil price cap remains frozen at $44 per barrel for 12 months to avoid market shocks. The package also expands sanctions on the shadow fleet and other entities, with Bulgaria and Austria securing related concessions and fisheries restrictions largely dropped from the final text.