Brussels Replies to Trump: EU Keeps Advancing Roadmap to Reduce Russian Energy
In response to US President Donald Trump's recent statement on ending Russian energy supplies, the European Commission confirmed that work on gradually phasing out Russian energy resources is already underway.
The Gaze reports on it, referring to Interfax-Ukraine.
On Monday, the European Commission (EC) emphasized that work on the EU's gradual withdrawal from Russian energy sources has been ongoing for several years.
EC Spokeswoman Paula Pinho noted that the EU has clear legislative proposals for a gradual reduction in gas supplies, as well as a number of sanctions already in place that prohibit, in particular, the import of coal and other energy products.
“So this is something the EU is working very actively on, and we have a very, very clear roadmap on how to do it,” she said.
Regarding the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia, Pinho noted that work on it is ongoing, but the proposals have not yet been submitted to member states for consideration.
European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Olof Gill added that the EC seeks to ensure the maximum effectiveness of all sanctions by monitoring their implementation and possible attempts to circumvent them.
He also noted that the sanctions are being developed in coordination with international partners and are aimed at accelerating the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels and combating the shadow fleet and third-country intermediation.
"We need more sanctions. So we are now working on a 19th package in coordination with our partners. We are particularly looking at accelerating the phase-out of Russian fossil fuels, the shadow fleet, and third countries. Any new measures will be announced," Gill said, quoting EC President Ursula von der Leyen.
However, Gill declined to comment on the specific details of the 19th package of sanctions until its official presentation.
He stressed that the EC is focused on its own work and does not respond to US President Donald Trump's posts on social media, and that all new measures will be announced officially.
As The Gaze informed earlier, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said Congress is prepared to move forward with new sanctions against Russia, emphasizing that lawmakers are willing to work with the White House and Senate to advance measures aimed at ending the Russian-Ukrainian war.