EU set to extend Russia sanctions

The European Union is on target to extend economic sanctions against Russia in coming days, with a final decision expected when EU leaders gather later this week, according to several of the bloc's foreign ministers.



The decision to roll over the sanctions by six months until end-July 2016 was long expected, though there were doubts over the timing of the move.



Italian officials last week insisted the decision should be discussed when EU leaders meet in Brussels later this week. The sanctions expire in late January.



"I don't see major problems in any of the member states on the political decision," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini she said on her way into a meeting of EU foreign ministers.



The EU imposed the sanctions on Russia over its involvement in the conflict in the east of Ukraine. The measures -- which include cutting funding for major state-owned banks and energy companies as well as restrictions on Russia's defense and energy sectors -- have weighed on a Russian economy struggling in the face of the slump in oil prices.



For sanctions to be eased, the EU, pushed strongly by the German government, wants Moscow to fully implement its pledges in terms of cease-fire agreements signed with Kiev and pro-Moscow rebels in February in the Belarus capital of Minsk.



Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni signaled Rome wouldn't stand in the way of a sanctions extension, saying he doesn't expect a long debate on the issue at this week's summit.



"We all say that the decision on the rollover on sanctions should be taken according to the assessment of the Minsk Protocol implementation and this I think is what the European Council will do," Mr Gentiloni said. "And I am sure that we will have a common decision."



Ukrainian officials have been worried that Europe might take a softer line with the Kremlin, just as fighting has flared up again with Russian-backed separatists in Ukraine. Western governments have sought to work more closely with Moscow over the crisis in Syria to combat the threat of Islamic State after last month's terrorist attacks in Paris.



German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier noted that the situation in eastern Ukraine remains calmer despite "considerable setbacks" in the cease-fire in recent weeks.



Ensuring local elections take place in eastern Ukraine under proper conditions, is Germany's focus, Mr Steinmeier said. Threats by rebel groups to hold their own elections in October and early November renewed concerns over the split-up of the country. However, those ballots were delayed.



"It remains realistic for elections to take place in spring," Mr Steinmeier said.



Linas Linkevicius, foreign minister of Lithuania, a strong proponent of extending the sanctions, said he hopes there will be no further delays in the sanctions decision.



"The reasons...are clear -- the Minsk agreement isn't implemented," he said.



Ms. Mogherini also confirmed the EU plans to open its first membership chapters with Serbia and to open negotiations on a new chapter with Turkey. To proceed with a membership bid, countries must complete talks on 35 policy areas -- or chapters -- to ensure their legislation and policies are in line with EU rules.



The EU has been in accession talks with Serbia since early 2014. Belgrade had set great store on opening detailed negotiations on some files this year.



Of the two chapters the bloc is set to open, one deals with financial rules and policies. The other, Chapter 35, will be one of the toughest files for Belgrade because it requires the normalization of ties with Serbia's former province of Kosovo, which Serbia doesn't recognize.



However Serbia and Kosovo have been in reconciliation talks for several years helping both sides move ahead with their EU bid.



Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz reflected broad backing within the bloc behind Serbia's membership bid. Serbian "Prime Minister [Aleksandar] Vucic has made important steps forward."



But Mr Kurz underlined widespread doubts in many EU countries about Turkey's accession bid, which has gained new impetus following last month's agreement with Ankara aimed at stemming the flow of refugees entering the bloc from Turkey.



"We think we can have these negotiations, but we shouldn't look away from tough problems, such as the Kurdish question or human rights, just because of the refugee crisis," he said.





