The European Union has scaled back its latest package of sanctions against Russia, deciding against a blanket ban on Greek companies transporting Russian liquefied natural gas to third countries.
The decision reflects a strategic calculation by Brussels that prohibiting these shipments would effectively force Greek shipping firms to sell or lease their vessels to Chinese state-owned enterprises, thereby handing Beijing control over critical energy infrastructure.
This development marks a significant shift in the EU's approach to energy sanctions, prioritizing the retention of Western control over shipping assets over the strictest possible isolation of Russian energy exports.
By allowing Greek carriers to continue operations, the bloc aims to prevent a strategic vacuum that China could exploit to expand its influence in global LNG logistics.
The move comes as the EU continues to navigate the complex intersection of geopolitical pressure and energy security.
Member states have been prohibited from signing new LNG contracts with Russia since late April, a restriction that has reshaped trade flows but left the physical transport of existing cargoes largely intact.