EU Moves Toward Tightening Sanctions on Russia by Introducing New Tools to Counter Evasion
The European Union is actively discussing measures to expand its sanctions enforcement mechanisms with the goal of preventing Russia from circumventing existing restrictions.
During high-level meetings of foreign ministers from EU member states, conversations are focusing on the potential implementation of secondary sanctions — a tool that would allow restricting not only Russia but also third countries that aid the aggressor in bypassing sanctions.
This mechanism, approved in 2023 but not yet widely used, involves prohibitions on the export, supply, or transfer of specific goods to nations believed to facilitate sanctions evasion.
These discussions come amid preparations for the EU’s next, 19th, sanctions package against Russia.
According to sources, this package will include new measures targeting those involved in the kidnapping of Ukrainian children, as well as additional restrictions on Russia’s oil, gas, and financial sectors.
There are also talks about expanding import and export sanctions on Russian goods, although the most recent, 19th package, is unlikely to impose major restrictions on energy supplies, amid ongoing debates and negotiations.
Meanwhile, the U.S.
has already implemented secondary tariffs against India to curb its purchases of Russian oil, signaling increasing international efforts to pressure Russia through financial and trade restrictions.