EU Agrees on New Russia Sanctions

The EU has agreed on a tenth package of sanctions against Russia. Measures include stricter export controls on goods that have both civilian and military uses.

The EU found tightening its sanctions against Russia challenging, with individual member states arguing about the details. The tenth package of sanctions against Russia could not come into force on Friday – the symbolic anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Hungary had initially delayed an agreement, and Poland recently opposed it. Warsaw called for stricter rules for importing synthetic rubber from Russia, and Italy called for more extended transitional periods. Rubber is used to make car tires, among other things.

Poland only gave in late in the evening, and the Swedish EU Council Presidency announced on Twitter: stricter regulations for exporting goods to Russia and further punitive measures against people and institutions.

During a visit to the Estonian capital Tallinn yesterday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized: “Russia is falling back into an economy isolated from the world. Our sanctions severely curtailed its economic basis and the prospect of modernizing its economy.”

The EU will continue to pressure Russia, and those who support it on the battlefield. “We will continue to take action against Putin’s supporters and against those who help Russia to circumvent sanctions or keep its war machine running,” said the head of the commission.

As von der Leyen explained, the latest export bans amount to around eleven billion euros and involves electronics, engines and spare parts for trucks. In addition, exporting high-tech products to Russia that can also be used for military purposes is prohibited. This includes thermal imagers and electronic components used in drones, missiles and helicopters.

As in previous sanctions packages, the tenth will add to the list of people who are no longer allowed to enter the EU and whose assets will be frozen, including disseminators of propaganda and high military officials.