On 8 October, the Council of the EU established a framework for new sanctions against Russia (EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2643 of 8 October 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities & EU Council Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 of 8 October 2024).
The EU can now impose sanctions against persons, entities or bodies responsible for the Russian Government’s policies or actions that undermine or threaten EU fundamental values, security, independence and integrity, as well as those of international organisations or of third parties.
Sanctions can be imposed for interference in election processes, for facilitation of violent demonstrations, information manipulation and interference, malicious cyber activities, unauthorised entry into the territory of an EU Member State, including its airspace, aimed at interfering with, damaging or destroying, including through sabotage, critical infrastructure, including submarine infrastructure, instrumentalisation of migrants and instigating, facilitating or exploiting an armed conflict.
Under a newly established framework, all funds and economic resources belonging to, owned, held or controlled by those sanctioned under a new regime, will be subject to an asset freeze. EU nationals and companies are forbidden from making funds available to sanctioned individuals and entities. Sanctioned individuals will be also subject to a travel ban but the EU cannot oblige its Member State to refuse their nationals entry into its territory.
Member States can grant exemptions from EU prohibitions, including the release of certain frozen funds or economic resources. Member States can also grant exemptions from the imposed restrictive measures on the grounds of humanitarian needs, although the latter have not been defined.
It was reported that EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will discuss new restrictive measures against Russia using a new Russia sanctions framework, adopted on 8 October 2024. Member states will suggest a list of individuals and entities for inclusion on the sanctions list.
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