German cod imports threaten EU fish sanctions on Russia (euobserver.com)

• Von der Leyen announced cod ban on 10 June 2026.
• At least four EU states are blocking the fish import ban.
• German fish imports from Russia surged 82% since 2022.

"EU Commission President von der Leyen announced a ban on Russian cod as part of the 21st sanctions package. At least four member states, including Germany (€284m imports), France (€89m), and the Netherlands (€67m), are blocking the measure. German imports of Russian fish meat rose 82% since 2022, French by 75%. The EU imported €756m of fish from Russia in 2025. Negotiations continue, aiming for adoption by 13 July."