Achieving Unity with Diversity: EU Member States’ Preferences and Sanctions against Russia

The European Union (EU) decided to impose sanctions against Russia in response to the annexation of Crimea and to the destabilization of Eastern Ukraine. The introduction of restrictive measures against Russia, however, sparked heated debates between the Member States. Some of them have openly opposed the application of economic and financial sanctions but neither of the Member States have used their veto right. Despite the predictions of some observers, EU sanctions against Russia have always been prolonged and even reinforced since 2014. The article aims to explore the factors which have contributed to the consensus required to impose and maintain the sanctions regime against Russia. Data were gathered by conducting interviews with diplomats and officials based in Brussels. The interviewees have all been involved in the preparation and implementation of the sanctions regime against Russia. Interviews were conducted with diplomats and officials working in all relevant EU institutions, including the European External Action Service, the European Commission, the Council and the Permanent Representatives of some of the Member States. It is expected to better understand how the Member States have been able to forge a consensus despite having diverse national interests and preferences vis-à-vis Russia.