EU extends sanctions against russia for another six months

The EU Council has extended the EU's restrictive measures in connection with the actions of the russian federation in Ukraine for another 6 months, until January 31, 2025.

“These sanctions, first introduced in 2014, have been substantially extended since February 2022 in response to russia's unprovoked, unjustified and illegal military aggression against Ukraine,” the statement said.

Currently, they consist of a wide range of sectoral measures, including restrictions on trade, finance, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transportation and luxury goods.

They also include: a ban on the import or transfer of marine crude oil and certain petroleum products from russia to the EU, the disconnection of several russian banks from SWIFT, and the suspension of the broadcasting activities and licenses in the EU of several kremlin-backed disinformation agencies. In addition, specific measures allow the EU to counteract the sanction evasion.

“As long as the illegal actions of the russian federation continue to violate the prohibition of the use of force, which is a serious breach of obligations under international law, it is appropriate to maintain all measures imposed by the EU and to take additional measures as necessary,” the EU Council noted.

Source: official website of the EU Council