Brussels: The 27 European Union member states failed on Friday to reach an agreement on extending individual sanctions against Russia, diplomatic sources told the ANSA news agency, as consultations continued ahead of the expiry of the current measures.

The EU’s Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper), which brings together representatives of the bloc’s member states, met on Friday to discuss the renewal of individual sanctions lists targeting Russia. However, the meeting ended without an agreement.

Diplomatic consultations are expected to continue, with Coreper due to meet again on Monday in an effort to reach a deal before the current sanctions expire at midnight on Tuesday.

The latest meeting followed a decision earlier this week to give member states additional time to consider the proposed renewal. At its previous meeting on Monday, Coreper agreed to extend the sanctions for one week to allow governments to “thoroughly examine the renewal proposals”.

The sanctions under discussion form part of the EU’s individual sanctions regime against Russia. The measures include asset freezes and travel restrictions targeting individuals and entities.

The failure to reach an agreement on Friday leaves member states with further consultations before the Tuesday deadline. Coreper’s planned meeting on Monday is expected to focus on reaching an agreement on the renewal of the measures.

The EU’s individual sanctions lists are subject to periodic renewal, requiring member states to agree on their continuation. The current measures are due to expire at midnight on Tuesday unless an agreement is reached to extend them.