#Coreper

Ukraine takes a new step toward EU accession as Hungary lifts its veto on two more negotiation clusters following minority rights legislation.

The EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for three years but to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list. Kyiv is calling for the regime not to be weakened.

The EU failed to reach an agreement on lifting sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman at its September 22 meeting. Slovakia demands excluding both, France proposes a compromise, the majority is against any exceptions. The meeting was extended.

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. 🇬🇷🚫🇷🇺

🇪🇺 The EU is ready to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2028 — but with an important condition: draft dodgers will no longer receive refugee status. The decision will be made as early as July! 🇺🇦 #Ukraine #EU #Refugees