Von der Leyen announced a change in approach to sanctions against Russia

The head of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, following an informal European summit in Denmark on October 1, said that the European Union, while preparing the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions, changed its approach from gradually increasing pressure to taking supposedly tougher measures.

"We have proposed a new approach to sanctions. We are not proposing phased sanctions anymore, we are proposing much tougher measures regarding energy, financial services and trade," she said.

Earlier, on September 19, the EC proposed to impose sanctions on 45 Russian and foreign companies as part of the 19th package of anti-Russian sanctions. It was reported that the new sanctions package will include a ban on investments in Russian special economic zones (SEZs) related to the Ukrainian conflict.