Bruxelles, [Current Date] – The European Council has chosen to extend its sanctions against Russia for six months due to Russia’s ongoing aggression and destabilizing actions in Ukraine. These measures, initiated in 2014 and amplified after the Russian aggression of February 2022, will remain in force until 31 January 2025.
These sanctions are part of the EU’s never-before-seen responses. They cover sectors such as trade, finance, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury goods. A key measure is to ban the import or transfer of oil and specific oil products from Russia to the EU. This has a significant impact on revenues intended to finance military activities.
Financial isolation and media restrictions
One aspect of the sanctions is to isolate the economy financially. Several major Russian banks have been disconnected from the SWIFT payment system to disrupt transactions and economic stability in Russia. In addition, the European Union has taken action against Kremlin-backed media outlets that play a role in spreading information, suspending their broadcast licenses to limit the circulation of misleading narratives around the world. Europe.
In addition, the sanctions are designed to be flexible and resilient to any attempts to circumvent them. Specific strategies have been implemented to detect and prevent any attempts to circumvent the limitations imposed, thus ensuring that the sanctions remain effective for a given period.
Continuing Violations and International Law
The European Council stressed that it was justified to maintain these sanctions while Russia persists in acting in violation of international law, in particular as regards the prohibition of the use of force. These actions represent a violation of norms and responsibilities that justify a continued, if not intensified, response from the world community.
History. Enlargement measures
The first round of sanctions began with Decision 2014/512/CFSP approved on 31 July 2014 in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, such as the annexation of Crimea. Over time, these measures have expanded to cover a whole range. In addition to sectoral sanctions, the EU has imposed controls on economic relations with Crimea, Sevastopol and the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia that are not under government control.
Sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel restrictions, have been imposed on various individuals and organizations linked to the actions.
Since 24 February 2022, the EU has implemented 14 rounds of sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These actions are particularly extensive and intense, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the EU’s determination to counter the aggression.
EU support for Ukraine
In its conclusions of 27 June 2024, the European Council reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within recognised borders. EU support includes financial, economic and humanitarian assistance as well as diplomatic assistance. The Council strongly condemned the escalation of Russian attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure such as energy facilities.
The European Union’s choice to extend sanctions underlines its position against activities that threaten global peace and security. By extending these measures, the EU aims to maintain pressure on Russia while advocating for a resolution in accordance with the law.
Originally published in The European Times.
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