---
title: "Greece Blocks 21st Sanctions Package: Athens Fears for European Economy"
description: "Greece, Bulgaria, and Austria have blocked the 21st sanctions package against Russia. Athens fears that a ban on gas exports will hit the EU economy and hand markets to competitors. The decision on the oil price cap has been postponed until July 23. 🇬🇷🚫🇷🇺"
date: 2026-07-17T11:46:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/greece-blocks-21st-sanctions-package-athens-fears-for-european-economy
tags: [greece, eu-sanctions, russia, coreper, energy-market]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Greece Blocks 21st Sanctions Package: Athens Fears for European Economy

![Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaking, symbolizing Athens’ stance on blocking the EU’s 21st sanctions package](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/17/gretsiya-blokirovala-21-paket-sanktsiy-protiv-rossii/gretsiya-blokirovala-21-paket-sanktsiy-protiv-rossii-1.webp)

A new round of disputes over sanctions policy is brewing in Brussels. Greek authorities have officially stated their position: they do not support the introduction of a new, 21st package of sanctions against Russia. The reason for this decision is the fear that a ban on exporting Russian gas to third countries will hit European companies themselves, weakening their competitiveness.

### Balance Between Pressure and Economy

The Greek government emphasizes that any new restrictive measures require careful elaboration. According to Athens, sanctions must perform a dual function: maximize pressure on Moscow while minimizing unpredictable consequences for European companies and consumers.

Officials in Greece warn that the 21st sanctions package could lead to the loss of entire economic sectors in Europe. The main fear is that Brussels, by introducing strict restrictions, will voluntarily cede market share to companies from countries not in the EU.

"Sanctions should undermine Russia's economic potential, not create strategic advantages for others at Europe's expense," said one insider commenting on Athens' position.

### Failure to Reach Agreement in the EU

Greece is not alone in its position. Bulgaria and Austria are also blocking the new sanctions package. Due to these disagreements, the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) failed to reach a consensus and agree on the document on July 15.

Discussions between member states are currently ongoing. As a compromise solution or postponement, EU countries have decided to delay the decision on lowering the price cap on Russian oil until at least July 23.

### Context of Domestic Political Struggle

The sanctions situation clearly demonstrates a rift within the European community. Earlier, the Prime Minister of Latvia accused several European countries of effectively profiting from the Russo-Ukrainian war by continuing trade relations with Moscow. At the same time, the question of so-called "hellish sanctions" against Russia has again come into question in light of Donald Trump's position, adding uncertainty to the West's next steps.