The European Union has decided on economic sanctions against Russia

This means that the strictest restrictions against the Russian regime in the history of the EU will remain in force at least until the end of July. They are intended to limit the Kremlin’s ability to wage war in Ukraine.

Twelve sanctions packages

After Russia attacked Ukraine at the end of February 2022, member states imposed a total of twelve sanctions packages. Among other things, an embargo was introduced on the import of coal, oil and, gradually, diamonds. The latest, twelfth package, which entered into force over a month ago, also includes a ban on the import of LPG, but with a 12-month transition period. The EU sanctions also include a long list of products banned from importing goods that bring significant revenues to Russia and exports that could have contributed to the technological strengthening of the Russian military sector.

The sanctions packages adopted in recent months also include provisions that remove loopholes that allow sanctions to be circumvented. These include clauses prohibiting the re-export of key goods and technologies to Russia. Access to EU airports for Russian carriers is still prohibited, Russian ships cannot call at EU ports, and Russian transport companies cannot enter the Community.

Negotiations on the thirteenth package of sanctions will begin soon in the EU. Yesterday, Poland and the Baltic countries sent their proposals to the European Commission, including a ban on the import of LNG and aluminum, tightening sanctions in the aviation sector and extending the list of banned goods used for the production of drones. Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia also want to tighten sanctions against the Belarusian regime. They believe they should be a mirror image of the restrictions imposed on Russia to make them more difficult to circumvent.