EU member states would contemplate energy sanctions on Russia among the latest package of potential penalties over the Ukraine invasion, a top European Commission official said on Tuesday.
Valdis Dombrovskis, commission executive vice-president, said penalties targeting Russian oil and coal were “definitely an option” as far as the commission was concerned, but that it would be necessary to reach a consensus among member states. Some capitals have expressed scepticism over the idea.
“There are discussions on what can be done in the area of energy, like coal and oil,” said Dombrovskis as he arrived at a meeting of finance ministers in Luxembourg. “What is important in this situation is that we are coming forward with a strong and credible sanctions package” .
Also arriving at the meeting, Bruno Le Maire, the French finance minister, reiterated that France was open to measures against coal and oil, while underlining that it was critical to preserve the unity of the 27 member states on sanctions.
“I think there is a total determination of all 27 member states to reinforce…
