The EU extends sectoral Russia-related sanctions by further six months

On 30 June 2025, the Council of the EU announced the extension of the EU’s restrictive measures in relation to Russia’s activities in Ukraine by further six months until 31 January 2026.

The range of sectoral measures is set out in Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP of 31 Jul 2014 (as amended) and includes restrictions on trade, finance, energy, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury goods. Furthermore, it comprises the ban on seaborne oil imports from Russia to the EU, the removal of Russian banks from the SWIFT payment system, and the suspension of licences for the broadcasting activities of certain Russian media outlets.

The efforts on further restricting Russia’s ability to benefit from access to the EU market have intensified over the past month, as EU ambassadors are trying to reach an agreement on the EU’s 18^th sanctions package that would envisage further restrictions on Russian financial and energy sectors. Before a new sanctions package can come into force, it must be unanimously approved by all 27 Member States, however it was reported that the current proposals have encountered opposition from Hungary and Slovakia amid their concerns over impact of energy sanctions on their economies.

Additionally, there are media reports that the EU is planning to phase out any imports of Russian gas by 2027, as it looks to introduce new powers that would allow it to gradually restrict and then ban any imports of natural gas from Russia. It is proposed that with some exceptions, the restrictions of any gas imports – both via the pipeline and by sea in the form of LNG – would be introduced from 2026 with a view of the complete ban by 2028. As the EU is intending to make these powers subject to a qualified-majority voting, this arrangement would not require unanimity and might still go ahead even in the face of potential opposition from EU member states, including Hungary and Slovakia.

Updated: 1 July 2025

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