The debate has begun at the extraordinary European Council during which decisions are expected to be taken on Europe's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
According to a post by Barent Leitch, spokesman for the President of the European Council, the debate begins with an exchange of views with President Roberta Metsola.
The debate is taking place without electronic communication devices to ensure confidentiality.
According to reports, and as previously announced, the targeted measures formulated by the Commission and the European External Action Service, which will be presented before the leaders for approval, include proposals for sanctions in the energy sector (but not yet gas), exports, the financial sector and visas, as well as the addition of more names to the sanctions list.
The main point of contention in recent hours has been the question of whether Russia should be excluded from the Swift global payment system in this second package of sanctions, or whether it should remain a threat for the next package of sanctions.
The Baltic countries support more and tougher measures, including exclusion from the Swift system, with the Prime Minister of Estonia positioning herself in favour during statements on her arrival. Lithuania's President Gitanas Naousenda and Latvia's Prime Minister Christianis Carins were also in favour.
Asked about the Swift system, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy avoided going into details, calling it a complex package.
Several countries reportedly want a more gradual approach to allow room for additional measures in case of further escalation or non-compliance by Russia, with some media referring to Germany, Italy and Cyprus.
Diplomatic sources, however, denied during the day that there were any real disagreements among member states and that work was underway to ensure that the package before the leaders is adopted without delay so that it can be approved by foreign ministers at their extraordinary meeting in Brussels on Friday and put into effect immediately.
Source: CNA
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