Greece and Malta have emerged as key obstacles to the European Union’s (EU) proposal to replace existing price caps on Russian oil with a ban on services essential for oil transportation, according to a report by the news agency Bloomberg. The two countries expressed their concerns during an EU ambassadors meeting on Monday, where the new sanctions were presented. Their apprehensions are primarily focused on the potential impact of the proposal on the European shipping industry and energy prices, which could lead to significant economic ramifications.

Both Greece and Malta have sought clarifications regarding the proposed sanctions aimed at foreign ports for the transshipment of Russian oil and the enhanced scrutiny of vessel sellers to decrease the number of ships entering the Russian fleet. These discussions highlight the ongoing tension within the EU as member states navigate the complexity of sanctioning Russia while trying to safeguard their own economic interests, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on maritime trade.

Despite the reluctance expressed by the representatives of both nations, Malta's government spokesman in Brussels, Nestor Laivera, has stated that the country is still engaged in technical discussions to ensure that the final outcomes can be implemented effectively. This scenario reflects broader challenges facing the EU in maintaining a united front against Russia in light of the ongoing conflict, as member states balance geopolitical objectives with their domestic economic realities.