The European Union agreed on the basic conditions for the restoration of Russian transit to Kaliningrad oblast.
The press service of the European Commission writes about it.
It was emphasized there that the EU sanctions apply to transit by motor vehicle, so transporting goods to Kaliningrad by trucks would be a violation of them. At the same time, Russians have the right to continue transporting goods to Kaliningrad oblast by rail.
The European Commission emphasized that EU member states can control the volume of transit, focusing on the average figure for the last three years, as well as limit "unusual flows of goods or trade schemes."
"The transit of military and dual-purpose sanctioned goods and technologies is completely prohibited in any case — regardless of the type of transport," the agency explained.
The European Commission also pointed out the responsibility of the states through which the transit takes place, regarding the transportation of sanctioned goods. The department emphasizes that these goods should not enter and be distributed on the territory of the EU.
- On June 18, the Lithuanian authorities introduced a ban on rail and road transit of sanctioned goods through its territory to Russiaʼs Kaliningrad oblast. The ban affected coal, metals, cement, wood, construction materials, and high-tech products. According to the governor of Kaliningrad oblast, 40-50% of all cargo was banned. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania stated that the restrictions were introduced after consultation with the European Commission and under its direction.
- In response, Russia began to threaten Lithuania, and military exercises began in Kaliningrad oblast. The Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Patrushev, said that the Kremlin will soon respond to the "blockade" of the oblast, and the people of Lithuania will "seriously feel the consequences of these measures."
- Der Spiegel, citing sources in the European Commission, writes that the EU plans to allow Russia to transit goods subject to sanctions to Kaliningrad Oblast, but only in volumes commensurate with supplies before the invasion of Ukraine.