EU to Extend Sanctions Against Crimea Next Week: European Diplomats

According to diplomatic sources, a new set of sanctions against Crimea is expected before December 18. The upcoming restrictions will probably prohibit Europe's investment activities and tourism in Crimea.

BRUSSELS, December 12 (Sputnik) – The European Union (EU) is expected to impose further sanctions on Crimea before the European Council (EC) meeting next Thursday, European diplomats told RIA Novosti Friday.

"We have no political difficulties, there is an agreement to expand sanctions against Crimea. Additional restrictions are expected on Monday, if preparations are completed as scheduled," said the diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Another diplomatic source said that sanctions would be approved before the EC meeting, which is to take place from December 18 to December 19 in Brussels.

"In any event, they [sanctions] will be approved before the European Council meeting," the source said, adding that further sanctions against Crimea, which will involve trade and investment restrictions, have to be thoroughly prepared, with technical details taken into consideration.

On Wednesday, Reuters revealed a draft EU document featuring proposals drawn up by EU officials to expand sanctions against Crimea. The restrictive measures include the prohibition of Europe's investment activities in Crimea, including a ban on trading EU oil and gas exploration technologies. Moreover, the draft suggests a ban for EU companies conducting tourism activities in Crimea.

In July, the EU imposed investment restrictions in certain sectors of the Crimean economy, and banned all imports from the Crimean Peninsula without Ukraine's certification.

Crimea and the city of Sevastopol became part of the Russian Federation after a referendum in March, when over 96 percent of the peninsula's population voted in favor of secession from Ukraine and reunification with Russia.

The United States, the European Union and their partner countries refused to recognize the reunification and imposed several rounds of sanctions targeting Russian officials and businesses. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Western reaction was not an appropriate response, as there had been no violation of international law.