EU faces a dilemma in Ukraine negotiations
Possible sanctions and restrictions
One possible measure would be to exclude Russia from international conferences such as the upcoming G8 in Sochi, Russia. The EU also meets with Russia on a regular basis to discuss the development of bilateral relations - such meetings could be canceled. The EU could also scrap the joint energy supply strategy that was drafted last year with an intended validity until 2050.
Another measure would be sanctions against individuals. Putin and other leading Russian politicians could be denied entry into the EU, or their foreign bank accounts could be frozen. Many wealthy Russians have invested heavily in European countries, especially Cyprus. Any measures targeting individuals would need to be very targeted in order to have an impact. The EU could not afford a half-hearted approach such as the one it took against political leaders aligned with ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych - outlined sanctions against them have yet to take effect.
The obstacle of energy dependence
According to the European Commission, Russia is the EU's third largest trading partner, generating around 300 billion euros ($413 billion) annual turnover. At the same time, the EU is Russia's largest trading and investment partner. And while trade sanctions would be sure to make an impact, they would affect both sides: members of the European Commission are certain that Russia would retaliate with sanctions of its own. Aside from that, any restrictions on trade would be difficult to implement, since Russia, as a member of the World Trade Organization, is protected by various regulations.
http://www.dw.de/eu-faces-a-dilemma-in-ukraine-negotiations/a-17468486
There is little chance that all EU members would approve sanctions against Russia. Cyprus, for example.
= new reply since forum marked as read
