Eight EU countries have proposed a new sanctions instrument targeting Russia following the death of anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny. The foreign ministers of Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden signed a letter to the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell, advocating for a Russia-specific sanctions regime. The regime aims to target individuals involved in domestic repression in Russia, with Navalny being the latest high-profile victim. The ministers also suggested adding new listings under the EU's Global Human Rights Sanctions regime as a quicker alternative to a full-blown 'Navalny Act'.

European aluminum producers and four EU countries are urging the European Union to impose an embargo on Russian aluminum imports as part of the upcoming sanctions package marking two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite the pressure, a full ban is unlikely by the anniversary due to opposition from countries like Italy. The EU aims to present the 13th sanctions package by February 24, but it is expected to focus on new individual listings and a ban on exporting dual-use goods and battlefield products to Russia. Industrial consumers, represented by FACE, strongly oppose sanctions on aluminum, warning of severe economic repercussions. EU diplomats are currently negotiating the terms of the new sanctions package.

The European Union's attempt to engage with Indo-Pacific nations faced setbacks as key European and Indo-Pacific foreign ministers, including those from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, India, and South Korea, did not attend the EU's third Indo-Pacific ministerial meeting in Brussels. The meeting was overshadowed by the Middle East conflict, with criticism from developing countries about the West's perceived double standards regarding the situations in Ukraine and Gaza. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the EU's commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific despite being preoccupied with conflicts closer to home.

The EU's trade deals are crucial for maintaining the bloc's global export market share amidst growing competition from China, India, and other large economies. The European Commission's chief trade defense officer highlighted the significance of these deals in helping the EU navigate the competitive international trade landscape.