Finland Calls for EU-Wide Tariffs on All Russian Imports to Bolster Economic Pressure

Finland has proposed the introduction of comprehensive tariffs on all Russian imports into the European Union, a measure designed to complement the bloc’s existing sanctions regime and tighten economic pressure on Moscow.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Bloomberg.

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen made the proposal during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw, held under Poland’s EU Council Presidency. Speaking to reporters, she emphasized that the European Commission already holds the mandate to introduce such trade measures, which would not require unanimous approval by all member states. "This would provide a permanent instrument, even if other sanctions lose effectiveness over time," Valtonen noted.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns about potential obstruction by Hungary over the renewal of current sanctions. Unlike sanctions, which demand unanimity, tariffs can be adopted through qualified majority voting, making them a strategic workaround.

The call for new tariffs was tabled as ministers gathered in Warsaw in the Gymnich format to address pressing foreign policy issues, with the war in Ukraine topping the agenda. Discussions focused on potential diplomatic pathways toward a just and sustainable peace that aligns with both Ukrainian sovereignty and European security interests.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced that a 17th package of sanctions targeting Russia is under preparation and could be adopted at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council on May 20.

As The Gaze reported earlier, European officials are increasingly concerned that while efforts continue to end the Russian-Ukrainian war, Moscow is quietly intensifying its military buildup along other parts of its border with Europe.