OSCE Ministerial Meeting: Lavrov’s Return and EU’s Weakest Sanctions Yet
The diplomatic landscape is shifting as Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov prepares to attend the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ministerial meeting in Malta, his first visit to an EU country since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This event comes amidst a growing sense that Western nations are seeking to re-engage Russia diplomatically.
Lavrov’s attendance raises eyebrows in light of his sanction status within the EU. While the bloc’s travel ban against him can be temporarily lifted for international meetings on EU soil, the symbolism of his presence will undoubtedly be significant. Sources within the OSCE, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicate a desire to engage Russia in dialogue to find common ground on issues such as vacant senior positions within the organization, future chairmanships, and the budget for the 57-state body.
However, last year’s OSCE ministerial meeting in North Macedonia, another EU candidate country, offered a glimpse into the potential difficulties ahead. Despite Lavrov’s attendance, little progress was made, highlighting the deep divisions between Russia and its Western counterparts. Malta, in an attempt to control the situation, has limited national delegations to six people and excluded Lavrov from the dinner focused on "Russian aggression against Ukraine."
While Lavrov’s reception remains unclear, past experiences suggest a range of responses.
During the Skopje meeting, representatives from Ukraine and the Baltic states walked out in protest, a move that could be repeated in Malta. In contrast, some EU diplomats advocate for remaining in their seats to directly challenge Lavrov’s rhetoric and "answer the huge amount of lies that he usually comes with."
Adding to the complexity, internal disagreements within the OSCE have emerged regarding the future appointment of key figures. A Greek-Turkish counterproposal has challenged an existing plan, leading to uncertainty and potential delays. As discussions continue, the OSCE faces challenges in selecting a new secretary-general, filling vacant national minorities and human rights positions, and determining the organization’s chairmanship for the years 2026 and beyond.
EU’s Weakest Sanctions on Russia:
At the same time, the European Union unveiled its 15th sanctions package against Russia, but this latest round is considered the bloc’s weakest yet. Coming after a long gap, the limited scope likely reflects a waning enthusiasm for deeper sanctions within the EU.
This latest package mainly focuses on expanding existing blacklists, adding 54 individuals and 29 entities for undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Notably, one individual targeted is Larisa Dolina, a renowned Russian singer and actress, for her involvement in supporting Russia’s war efforts.
Further additions include:
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Vessels: The proposal seeks to add 48 vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet to the existing blacklist, totaling 75 vessels barred from EU ports.
- Companies: 33 new companies from various countries, including China, Iran, India, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Serbia, are proposed for addition to the list of companies facing EU export restrictions on dual-use goods and technologies.
This targeted approach significantly departs from previous rounds of sanctions, which directly impacted sectors like wood, oil, and diamondExports. The EU’s reluctance to target Russia’s nuclear or gas industries signals a shift towards caution and potentially reflects a desire to avoid further escalation.
While the limited scope of these new sanctions may raise eyebrows, they represent a delicate balancing act for the EU. As the winter holidays approach, member states are likely seeking to avoid further economic disruptions while portraying a united front against Russia.
