EU expected to extend Russia economic sanctions

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Policy, Federica Mogherini, indicated in May 2016 during an interview with German newspaper Die Welt that she expected economic sanctions imposed against Russia to remain in place after July, when they need to be extended.

While recognising different points of view within the EU regarding these sanctions, Ms Mogherini that there was ultimately unity amongst member states to keep the sanctions, while connecting them with the full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

The European Commission's president Jean-Claude Juncker visited Russia in June and met with president Vladimir Putin, raising concerns it could strengthen Russia's position regarding a possible renewal of sanctions.

The European Union also has separate sanctions against individuals and businesses connected to Russia's annexation of Crimea, which expire on different dates.

ESO: Background information: EU states agree six-month Russia sanctions http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-states-agree-six-month-russia-sanctions/

ESO: Background information: Sanctions over Ukraine: Impact on Russia http://www.europeansources.info/record/sanctions-over-ukraine-impact-on-russia/

The Wall Street Journal, 19.05.16: EU Ready to Extend Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine Crisis http://www.wsj.com/articles/eu-ready-to-extend-russia-sanctions-over-ukraine-crisis-1463676190

Sputnik International, 20.05.16: Moscow May Extend Responsive Measures if EU Prolongs Anti-Russia Sanctions http://sptnkne.ws/bsaG

EurActiv, 27.05.16: Germany: EU faces ‘difficult’ talks on Russia sanctions http://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/germany-eu-faces-difficult-talks-on-russia-sanctions/

EUObserver, 27.05.16: EU and US threaten to increase Russia sanctions https://euobserver.com/foreign/133582

EurActiv, 27.05.16: Ukraine angered by German call to lift Russia sanctions http://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/ukraine-angered-by-german-call-to-lift-russia-sanctions/

EurActiv, 30.05.16: Schinas: Juncker’s visit to Russia doesn’t undermine EU sanctions policy http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/schinas-junckers-visit-to-russia-doesnt-undermine-eu-sanctions-policy/

Spiegel Online International, 30.05.16: Step-by-Step Rapprochement: Germany Considers Easing of Russia Sanctions http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-considering-an-easing-of-russia-sanctions-a-1094585.html

Politico, 30.05.16: Jean-Claude Juncker’s Russia trip raises red flags http://www.politico.eu/article/jean-claude-juncker-trip-to-russia-vladimir-putin-raises-concerns/

EUObserver, 30.05.16: Juncker agrees to visit Russia in June https://euobserver.com/foreign/133602

Politico, 01.06.16: German foreign minister: Ease Russia sanctions ‘step-by-step’ http://www.politico.eu/article/german-foreign-minister-ease-russia-sanctions-step-by-step/

EurActiv, 02.06.16: [Opinion]: Germany looks to ease Russian sanctions http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/opinion/germany-looks-to-ease-russian-sanctions/

EUObserver, 07.06.16: EU likely to extend Russia sanctions before summit https://euobserver.com/foreign/133731

Politico, 13.06.16: Commission to EU leaders: We know that you went to Russia http://www.politico.eu/article/commission-eu-leaders-russia-jean-claude-juncker-comeback-relations-sanctions/

EurActiv, 16.06.16: Juncker restarts dialogue with Putin on the eve of sanctions renewal http://www.euractiv.com/section/security/news/juncker-restarts-dialogue-with-putin-on-the-eve-of-sanction-renewal/

EUObserver, 16.06.16: Renzi and Juncker send 'poor message' on Russia https://euobserver.com/foreign/133851

EurActiv, 17.06.16: Juncker, Putin vow to keep ‘close contacts’ after bilateral freeze http://www.euractiv.com/section/future-eu/news/juncker-putin-vow-to-keep-close-contacts-after-bilateral-freeze/

EUObserver, 16.06.16: Juncker defends EU sanctions at Russia forum https://euobserver.com/foreign/133856

The Guardian, 16.06.16: Juncker says Russia visit is to 'continue dialogue' despite tensions https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/16/juncker-russia-visit-sanctions-eu

The Moscow Times, 16.06.16: Russia Rejects Sarkozy's Suggestion to Lift Sanctions First http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russia-rejects-sarkozys-suggestion-to-lift-sanctions-first/572745.html

Euronews, 16.06.16: EU sanctions against Russia likely to be renewed http://www.euronews.com/2016/06/16/eu-sanctions-against-russia-likely-to-be-renewed/

Euro|Topics: Debates, June 2016: How long will Europe's sanctions last? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/161004/how-long-will-europe-s-sanctions-last

EurActiv, 20.06.16: Germany, Austria favour gradual phasing out of Russia sanctions http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/germany-austria-favour-gradual-phasing-out-of-russia-sanctions/

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