Ban on Russian LNG imports central to new EU sanctions, says von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made this statement ahead of a meeting of the College of Commissioners on security issues.

Ursula von der Leyen says that the EU is making progress in several areas of work, particularly in strengthening economic pressure on Russia.

“Our sanctions are working. Russia's GDP is projected to slow down, from 4.3% in 2024 to 0.9% in 2025. We need to increase the pressure. To this end we proposed a new sanctions package with robust measures on the energy, financial services and trade,” said the President of the European Commission.

She announced that one of its key elements is a ban on importing LNG from Russia.

Von der Leyen also emphasized the need for a more structural solution for military support.

“This is why I have put forward the idea of a Reparations Loan based on immobilised Russian sovereign assets. The Loan would not be disbursed in one go. But in tranches, and with conditions attached. And we will strengthen our own defence industry by ensuring that part of the loan is used for procurements in Europe and with Europe. Importantly, there is no seizing of the assets. Ukraine has to repay the loan, if Russia is paying reparations. The perpetrator must be held responsible,” von der Leyen emphasized.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced concrete steps to strengthen military aid to Ukraine, which is the “first line of defense” for Europe.