On the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has launched a further package of sanctions. This 16th sanctions package is intended to further increase the economic and political pressure on Russia.
The package includes tougher measures against the so-called Russian shadow fleet, far-reaching trade restrictions and sanctions in the financial sector and against Russian media.
The 16th sanctions package revises numerous regulations and CFSP decisions from 2014 and 2022. As part of the new sanctions against Russia, the EU has also revised and expanded the sanctions against Belarus.
The EU has added 73 more ships from the ‘Russian shadow fleet’ to the sanctions list. In addition, the regulations have been amended so that not only the operators but also the owners and masters of these ships can be subject to sanctions.
Far-reaching trade restrictions are a central element of the new package. Among other things, the import of Russian aluminium and aluminium alloys will be significantly restricted. In addition, the export of certain products that are important for the Russian defence industry will be banned. These include chemical precursors, chrome, certain machine parts and devices such as video game controllers that can be used to control combat drones.
In addition, a ban was imposed on transactions with Russian ports and airports that play a role in circumventing the Western oil price cap.
With the 16th sanctions package, the EU is once again tightening its measures in the financial sector. These include the exclusion of 13 additional banks from the SWIFT financial communication system, a transaction ban for three Russian financial institutions and a ban on services for Russian oil and gas refineries.
The EU has also expanded its list of sanctioned individuals, organisations and entities that cooperate with Russia's military-industrial complex.
The broadcasting licences of eight Russian media companies in the EU are suspended.
Links:
Amtsblatt-Einträge vom 24. Februar 2025
EU verabschiedet 16. Sanktionspaket gegen Russland
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