Tensions are reaching a boiling point behind the scenes in Brussels, triggered by Athens' "rebellion" over Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG). The decision by the Greek side to exert pressure to secure an exemption for George Procopiou's shipping firm Dynagas sparked intense frustration among European diplomats, who describe it as an "outrageous tactic." This development appears to mark a critical turning point that is forcing the European Commission to radically alter its strategy, putting a definitive end to broad, flagship sanctions packages against Moscow.
Behind the scenes
Greece spent weeks demanding an exemption for Dynagas vessels so they could continue transporting lucrative Russian LNG shipments, in exchange for consenting to a series of unrelated measures aimed at Moscow's financial system and oil export revenues. Three officials stated that work is now under way on how to suspend this tactic, which has grown increasingly widespread in recent EU negotiations over sanctions as capitals seek to protect domestic companies still doing business with Russia. An idea gaining traction within both the European Commission and among more pro-Ukrainian member states is agreeing upon and implementing sanctions individually or through small thematic clusters, rather than pursuing large packages for public relations purposes. Officials stated this would reduce the risk of delaying key measures due to national veto threats. "This could be the last 'package' of sanctions," stated one participant, referring to measures finally agreed upon on Thursday (23/07/2026) following weeks of Greek obstruction. "It is now abundantly clear that this approach no longer functions."
The EU has approved 21 so-called sanctions packages against Russia since February 2022, utilizing a policy of grouping measures together for collective approval with the unanimous backing of all 27 member states—frequently for publicity purposes or to coincide with specific dates, such as anniversaries of the Russian invasion. However, this structure has increasingly meant that national vetoes on specific items delay unrelated restrictions backed by all other capitals. "This was demonstrated in the most glaring manner last week, when Greece refused to approve the latest package unless other EU states agreed to grant Dynagas—a shipping firm owned by billionaire George Procopiou—an exemption from an unrelated sanction agreed in October 2025 that banned the transshipment of Russian LNG to non-EU countries starting January 2027," according to a report by the Financial Times.
The... first time
Greece's success in securing the exemption, which will allow these shipments to proceed, marks the first time that the EU's overarching framework of economic sanctions against Russia has been diluted. Athens' approach effectively held other measures hostage, including an initiative to prevent Russia from earning billions more from crude oil exports, comprehensive asset-freeze sanctions on 94 Russian financial institutions, and a transaction ban targeting 33 banks.
Furious over Greece in Brussels
Numerous EU diplomats involved in the negotiations characterized the tactic as "outrageous." "I do not want to hear anyone talk about 'solidarity' anymore," stated one diplomat. Greek officials claimed that the LNG transshipment ban was agreed upon by mistake, that it would harm Dynagas rather than the Russian economy, and that it would ultimately benefit competing shipowners from China or other non-EU nations. Proponents of the new approach contend that powerful and effective measures could be swiftly approved by the EU Council without the fanfare and public exposure generated by the traditional "package" framework. Any individual objections would no longer derail or delay unrelated sanctions. Some officials warn, however, that the previous strategy nevertheless allowed capitals to see that multiple member states were absorbing financial pain from sanctions decisions, helping convince governments that sharing the economic cost was justified.
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