Despite advocating for the maintenance of a low price cap on Russian oil, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s support for the fishing industry has led to the lifting of proposed import bans on Russian fish. This decision, aimed at averting a ‘fish stick crisis,’ highlights the challenges faced by the EU in enforcing sanctions, as member states prioritize national interests. The recent political shifts in Hungary further illustrate the complexities of achieving consensus on sanctions, as individual exceptions collectively diminish their overall effectiveness.