EC: 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, EUR 90 bln loan to Ukraine still under discussion

Approval of the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia, as well as a EUR 90 billion loan for Ukraine, remains under discussion, European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho has said.

Speaking at a briefing in Brussels on Tuesday, Pinho said there were no updates on sanctions, but noted that the issue was being actively discussed with the EU Council with a view to securing approval of the 20th package.

Regarding the substantial loan for Ukraine, she said discussions were ongoing and expressed hope for rapid progress, adding that a decision could possibly be reached before the European Council meeting scheduled for March 19 and 20.

Earlier, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, speaking at a press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, said that adoption of the 20th sanctions package was long overdue.

She added that discussions had taken place on how to move the process forward, noting that the same applied to the EUR 90 billion loan.