The European Commission has proposed a ban on imports of Russian primary aluminum and the restriction of sales of video games in Russia as part of the 16th Package for its invasion of Ukraine, according to a document seen by Reuters.
The proposal was distributed to Member States yesterday Tuesday, and the discussions are expected to begin this afternoon. Restrictions also include measures to combat the circumvention of the Russian oil prices imposed by the seven (G7) more developed industrial countries.
Imports of primary aluminum produce significant profits for Russia, making it possible to continue the war, the document said.
The prohibition will include aluminum alloys and will have a period of one year’s gradual application, according to the proposal, with “necessary” imports of 275,000 metric tones being excluded for this period.
The 27 EU Member States introduced nearly 330,000 tonnes of Russian primary aluminum and alloys in January-November last year, according to Trade Data Monitor. Full data on 2024 have not yet been published. In 2023, the EU introduced more than 500,000 tonnes from Russia.
Video game consoles and controls
Sales in Russia video games and other entertainment games such as flight simulators and controls will also be limited as they could be used as inspections for unmanned aircraft.
This week, EU Commissioner for Foreign Policy Kaya Callas said Russia was “really creative” in finding alternative equipment for its army.
“Even elements such as consoles for video games, because they obviously handle unmanned aircraft,” Callas said.
This would affect console sales such as Microsoft’s Xbox, Nintendo’s Switch and Sony’s PlayStation.
Tanker
The proposal also adds 50 new entities and natural persons. The list was not distributed to European diplomats, but they themselves say it includes some regional Russian banks.
About 75 ships, mainly tankers, will be added to the list of existing 79 ships, diplomats said.
With regard to oil, the European Commission wants to impose new restrictions “on software related to oil and gas extraction” and will introduce “transaction prohibition” that will include ports and airports in Russia used to transport unmanned aircraft, rockets or are used to bypass the G7 oil prices.
“This includes access to port facilities, airports listed in the list and the provision of any services on ships or aircraft. The appropriate exceptions are included, ”the document said.
The plan also extends the period of gradual implementation to the ban on Russian diamonds by third countries from March to September of this year. Since September, diamond sellers to the G7 countries must use a array -based tracking mechanism to prove that stones are not of Russian origin.
The Commission has decided not to ban Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) despite the pressure of some Member States, due to fears that there will be no adequate alternatives in time.
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