Brussels, July 18, 2025 — The European Union has introduced its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, including a new ban on the import of refined oil products made from Russian crude. However, the measure notably exempts five Western countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, and Canada.
According to an official statement from the EU Council, the ban applies to Russian-origin oil products that are processed in third countries and then exported to the EU. The exemption for the five nations reflects ongoing coordination among key NATO and G7 allies.
“The EU is introducing a ban on the import of refined petroleum products derived from Russian crude oil and originating from third countries, except for Canada, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States,” the statement reads.
In a separate move, the EU also revoked a previous exemption granted to the Czech Republic, which had allowed the country to import Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. That waiver has now been officially canceled.
“The Council has decided to withdraw the exemption allowing the Czech Republic to import Russian oil,” the statement said.
In 2024, the Czech Republic imported roughly 2.7 million tons of oil—about 42% of its total oil supply—through the Druzhba pipeline. However, deliveries through Druzhba came to a halt on March 4, after payment disruptions caused by U.S. sanctions on Russian oil exporters.
The latest package underscores the EU’s tightening approach to energy sanctions while still navigating geopolitical realities and coordination with non-EU allies.
