The new sanctions, proposed by the European Commission last month, focus on the energy sector, banking, and the defense industry.
Among the measures is a ban on financial transactions related to Russia’s Nord Stream gas pipeline. Slovakia, a country heavily dependent on Russian gas, opposed the proposal, citing concerns over supply disruptions and increased energy costs.
However, EU foreign ministers on Tuesday approved sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against seven individuals and one organization linked to Moscow, accusing them of attempting to destabilize Moldova ahead of parliamentary elections this September.