Sanctions or Self-Sabotage?
At first glance, the European Union's 18th sanctions package directed at Russia, including the visa ban from Moscow for Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, appears to be yet another strong move against aggression. But behind the semblance of bravado about solidarity and resolve, some very grave questions are being raised:
- Are these sanctions really weakening Russia?
- Or are they quietly undermining Europe's own economic and strategic foundation?
- What will happen if this goes on for the next 3 years?
This blog cuts to the truth of the actual impact of the sanctions the one no press conference ever mentions.
The 18th Sanction Package What Really Happened
The EU's 18th package of sanctions came in June 2024 as part of its continued response to the war in Ukraine. The package consists of:
- Further restrictions on exports of dual use technology.
- Blacklisting of Russian companies' finance.
- Travel restriction against Kremlin oligarchs.
- Further trade controls of energy and defense related materials.
At the same time, Russia imposed travel bans on dozens of EU politicians, including Estonia Prime Minister Kaja Kallas an icon of Baltic resistance.
But hidden behind the political rhetoric, a crisis is developing throughout Europe.
European Response – Solidarity or Concealed Cracks?
🇫🇷 France:
An early enthusiast for the sanctions, but quietly industries are lobbying for loopholes because of increasing energy prices and losses of technology exports.
🇩🇪 Germany:
Economically under threat from deindustrialization as energy guzzling firms relocate overseas. Economic sentiment at 10 year low.
🇮🇹 Italy:
Requesting a "review" of sanctions policy, particularly after gas prices doubled again in Q1 2025.
🇧🇬 Bulgaria , ðŸ‡ðŸ‡º Hungary:
Explicitly defying EU's strategy. Even labelled the sanctions "economic suicide".
🇪🇪 Estonia , 🇱🇻 Latvia , 🇱🇹 Lithuania:
Unwavering in their position. Survival for them. But they're minuscule economies.
Overall? The EU's attempting to look united, but cracks are appearing and widening with every fresh sanction.
What If It's for Another 3 Years?
Let’s be bold: If sanctions last for another 3 years, Europe would experience a slow motion collapse in four key areas:
-
Energy Security:
Russia would permanently divert oil and gas pipelines to China and India. Europe would be left with costly US LNG and African alternatives. -
Agricultural Crisis:
Fertilizer prices are through the roof. Europe faces shrinking farm production and rising import dependency without Russian supplies. -
Manufacturing Exodus:
Domestic giants (particularly in Poland and Germany) are already migrating to Asia. The EU's industrial advantage may be lost for a decade. -
Internal Political Chaos:
Growing inflation and unemployment can lead to populist tendencies. Far left and far right movements may sweep 2026 polls in the EU.
Was This the Right Decision? A Strategic Error in Disguise?
Russia's alignment with Ukraine cannot be criticized, the economic cost incurred by Europe is gigantic.
Sanctions are an instrument. They are not a creed. They need to be reassessed.
And here’s the irony:
Russia's ruble is robust, China has become stronger, and Europe is dwindling into self inflicted isolation.
Is this the victory that EU expecting?
Conclusion:
Time to Rethink Before It’s Too Late
The EU needs to ask itself whether it wishes to keep playing short term politics or start building long term strategy.
Because if this sanction policy simply continues going on blindly:
- It's not Russia that is going to fall apart.
- It's European competitiveness, public trust, and political stability that will collapse first.
- The USA relishing the strategic, monetary, and political benefits of this sanction sparked change while Europe has lost of the pain because nearly all of Europe get dependent is from USA.
- In 2024 IMF report reported that the growth of EU GDP may decline by 1.2% a year if sanctions on energy endure without diversification in procurement.
History won’t judge by slogans.
It will judge by results.
📌 Final Thought:
Is the EU scripting its own doom under the delusion of moral superiority? Or can it modify before the final act is complete?
🔔Guys please post your opinion below. Is Europe going in the right direction or digging itself into the ground? Let us begin the discussion.
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