site.btaKallas: EU Working on Expanded Russia Sanctions, but Agreement Still Needed

The European Union is working to expand sanctions against Russia, but the necessary unanimity has not yet been achieved, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas told journalists in Brussels on Monday ahead of an EU foreign ministers' meeting.

Kallas said there are still open questions. She expressed hope that the foreign ministers will approve the addition of another 250 names to the EU sanctions lists of individuals linked to attacks on civilians in Ukraine.

Commenting on the planned discussion of the Black Sea strategy, she said that Bulgaria and Romania are working together to protect key infrastructure in the region and counter hybrid threats.

Kallas called for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to be restored without the introduction of transit fees. She also expressed satisfaction that Syria has so far remained outside the latest developments in the conflict in the Middle East, adding that the EU has offered assistance to Damascus in rebuilding local institutions.

Kallas noted that the most important thing is for Syria to remain stable.