Mitsotakis optimistic EU-wide agreement possible over latest sanctions

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday appeared optimistic that EU leaders will reach an agreement over sanctions against Russia, and one that specifically includes a ban on the import of oil and petroleum byproducts into the Union.

He made the statement while heading into an extraordinary EU Council meeting.

“I consider that individual objections by member-states can be overcome, so we can achieve, in the end, desired results,” he told reporters.

He also said discussion is expected to focus on the energy crisis plaguing the Union, while again citing Athens’ support for a ceiling on the wholesale price of natural gas.

“In any case, I would like to reiterate that the Greek government will stand by the side of Greek consumers, businesses and households, so that high electricity prices are held back, as much as possible,” he said.