The European Union’s anticipated 19th package of sanctions against Russia has been unexpectedly delayed, revealing a significant crack in the Western alliance. The postponement stems from a failure to secure a coordinated approach with the United States after President Donald Trump made joint action contingent on an immediate and complete European embargo of Russian oil, a demand the EU is currently unable to meet.
Brussels has been thrown into a state of uncertainty. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was expected to unveil the new punitive measures earlier this week, but the announcement never materialized. Now, officials are offering only vague assurances that work on the package is continuing, while new potential timelines are being unofficially floated. This hesitation underscores the diplomatic impasse created by Washington’s hardline stance.
Talks between EU and US officials in Washington reportedly collapsed over President Trump’s ultimatum. “I don’t want them to be buying Russian oil. I want them to stop it immediately,” Trump stated unequivocally before a trip to the United Kingdom. His demand is in direct conflict with the EU’s established energy strategy, which outlines a gradual phase-out of Russian oil and gas dependencies by 2027, a timeframe Brussels considers technically and logistically necessary.
The American president’s position creates a paradoxical diplomatic challenge, putting him at odds with his traditional European allies, particularly Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Both leaders have staunchly defended their nations’ continued use of Russian energy on economic grounds. Trump’s all-or-nothing approach now forces them into a difficult position, testing their political alignment with his administration.
In this complex geopolitical chessboard, Croatia has emerged as a key player. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has strategically positioned his country as a solution provider, offering to supply both Hungary and Slovakia with oil via the Adriatic pipeline (JANAF). This move not only offers a potential, albeit complex, alternative to Russian energy but also serves to strengthen Croatia’s ties with Washington. The proposal, however, adds further tension to Plenković’s domestic political rivalry with Croatia’s pro-Russian president, Zoran Milanović.
Despite the pressure from Washington, the prevailing belief in Brussels is that the EU will ultimately proceed with the 19th sanctions package unilaterally. The episode highlights the growing divergence in strategy between the two global powers on how to manage relations with Moscow and underscores the internal fractures within the EU itself on issues of energy security and foreign policy.