EU unveils sanctions initiative to counteract hybrid threats from Russia

The European Council has announced the creation of a new framework for restrictive measures aimed at addressing Russia's destabilising actions on the international stage.

This framework will empower the EU to target individuals and entities involved in activities and policies endorsed by the Russian government, Caliber.Az reports via Council of EU.

These activities undermine the fundamental values of the EU, its member states, and the security, independence, and integrity of international organisations and third countries.

Effective immediately, the EU will be equipped to tackle a range of hybrid threats, including interference in electoral processes, attacks on democratic institutions, sabotage of economic activities and critical infrastructure, coordinated disinformation campaigns, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), malicious cyber operations, and the instrumentalisation of migrants, among other destabilising activities.

This decision follows a proposal by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and forms part of the EU's broader response to the increasing campaign of hybrid operations by Russia, which has intensified in recent months on European soil.

Under the new framework, individuals and entities designated will face an asset freeze, while EU citizens and businesses will be prohibited from providing financial support.

Furthermore, designated individuals will be subject to a travel ban, preventing them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

The establishment of this framework is a key component of the Strategic Compass for Security and Defence, which was approved by the Council in 2022. This document called for the creation of an EU Hybrid Toolbox to consolidate existing and potential new instruments for detecting and responding to a wide range of hybrid threats, with the Toolbox becoming operational in December 2022.

Notably, on May 21, 2024, the Council adopted conclusions recognising the increasing use of hybrid tactics by both state and non-state actors, which pose a growing threat to the security of the EU and its partners. 

The conclusions urged EU institutions and member states to intensify efforts to monitor foreign interference in the EU's democratic processes.

In a further show of commitment, the European Council condemned all forms of hybrid activities on June 27, 2024, acknowledging their rise and the need for enhanced cooperation within the Council to establish a new sanctions regime targeting these threats.

By Aghakazim Guliyev