EU announces 17th sanctions package against Russia, rejects easing restrictions

On March 13, European Commission (EC) representative Anitta Hipper stated that EU countries are not considering measures to ease sanctions on Russia. On the contrary, the EU is working on a new package of restrictive measures.

Speaking in Brussels, Hipper responded to questions about potential negotiations with the United States on relaxing restrictions, saying, "We have introduced 16 packages of sanctions that were approved unanimously, and we are working on the 17th package," as quoted by Russian media during a briefing, per Caliber.Az.

Hipper also addressed Hungary’s stance on blocking the extension of personal sanctions against Russia, which are set to expire on March 15. She stressed that the European Commission is "making every effort to extend them" and claimed that the EU sanctions have been effective.

Earlier in the day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded by saying that Russia has adapted well to the sanctions. He further reiterated that these sanctions are "illegal" and should be lifted.

The situation around sanctions had earlier been reported on March 10, when advisers to US President Donald Trump were said to be working on measures to mitigate anti-Russian sanctions, including potential changes to oil price restrictions. On the same day, Euractiv reported concerns within the EU over Hungary's possible attempt to block the extension of sanctions against Russia. According to the report, Hungary’s approval is necessary for the extension of these sanctions.

Back in February, Edgar Naujok, a member of the German Bundestag from the Alternative for Germany (AdG) party, raised concerns about Berlin's ability to block the introduction of EU sanctions against both Russia and China.

On February 24, the EU adopted its 16th package of sanctions against Russia, increasing pressure as Moscow’s aggression against Ukraine entered its fourth year. This new package targets critical sectors of the Russian economy, including energy, trade, transportation, infrastructure, and financial services. It also intensifies the fight against sanctions circumvention and Russian disinformation.

As part of the measures against circumvention, the EU added 74 more ships to its sanctions list, bringing the total number to 153. These ships are linked to the "shadow fleet" or contribute to Russia's energy revenues. A new criterion for inclusion in sanctions lists was introduced, targeting those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers.

Additionally, targeted export restrictions were imposed on 53 new companies supporting the Russian military-industrial complex or involved in evading sanctions. The sanctions list also includes 83 new entities, such as 48 individuals and 35 organizations connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex, sanctions circumvention efforts, and industries like crypto-assets and maritime transportation. Several major Russian businessmen and company executives were also added to the EU sanctions list.

The EU has also implemented a new criterion for sanctions, applying them to individuals and entities that are part of or benefit from Russia’s military-industrial complex.

By Tamilla Hasanova