The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU member states on Wednesday, 9 September, again failed to agree on an extension of individual sanctions imposed for actions undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The ambassadors’ meeting ended without any deal.
The sole obstacle remains Slovakia’s position. Bratislava is insisting that the restrictions be extended for six months rather than the proposed one-year period. In addition, the Slovak side has not dropped its demand that several names be removed from the existing blacklist; the names are not being disclosed because of the confidentiality of the talks.
The current regime expires on Tuesday, 15 September. A decision must be taken by that date, otherwise the sanctions will formally lapse. The list covers about 3,000 individuals and companies, headed by Vladimir Putin. This package has been repeatedly rolled over for six months at a time; the Council of the EU last did so in March 2026.
This is not the first failed attempt in a short period. On 2 September the ambassadors also failed to reach agreement because of the same Slovak position, after which the discussion was postponed to 9 September. Any change to the regime requires unanimity among all 27 member states.
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia said that talks on the regular six-month review of the sanctions regime are continuing and are expected to be concluded by 15 September 2026. The ministry traditionally refuses to comment on the details of its negotiating position. EU diplomats will continue consultations in order to meet the deadline.
Previous similar delays have been linked in part to demands that certain oligarchs be removed from the list. It remains unclear whether a compromise can be found before the restrictions expire.
