Greece is resisting a European Union proposal to tighten restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas shipping, signaling a fracture in the bloc's unified approach to Moscow's energy exports.
The dispute centers on whether additional sanctions will effectively pressure the Kremlin or simply push valuable shipping capacity and trade volumes outside the EU's jurisdiction.
The friction highlights the complex economic realities facing European shipping hubs.
Greek-controlled fleets have historically played a pivotal role in transporting Russian energy, generating billions in revenue over recent years.
Industry stakeholders argue that overly aggressive measures could undermine the competitiveness of European ports and shipowners without significantly curbing Russian export capabilities.
This development adds a new layer of complexity to the EU's ongoing sanctions regime.