Sanctions against Russia
64 Commons Library Research Briefing, 22 March 2023
A tenth package of sanctions
A tenth package of sanctions was announced by the Commission President
Ursula von der Leyen on 15 February 2023 and adopted by the Council of the
European Union on 25 February 2023.
As part of these latest measures, 121 individuals and entities have been
sanctioned, including financial institutions, those responsible for military
activities, political decision making, spreading Russian propaganda and
disinformation, and involvement in the forced deportation and adoption of
Ukrainian children. Four Iranians have also been sanctioned for their
involvement in the production and transfer of UAVs to Russia (see below).
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In addition, this latest package of measures enacts:
• Further export bans relating to critical technology and industrial goods,
including electronics, specialised vehicles, spare parts for trucks and jet
engines and those goods used in the construction sector which could be
diverted to the military.
• Further restrictions on the export of dual-use goods and advanced
technologies including components that could be used in weapons
systems such as drones, helicopters and missiles, rare earth minerals
and thermal cameras.
• New measures to prevent sanctions evasion, including a prohibition on
the transfer through Russia of EU exported dual use goods and
technology.
• Further import restrictions on goods which generate significant revenue
for Russia, including asphalt and synthetic rubber.
• Russian nationals are restricted from holding any position on the
governing bodies of EU critical infrastructures and entities.
• A ban on the provision of gas storage capacity to any Russian national.
• The introduction of new reporting obligations to the European
Commission and EU Member States on the frozen reserves and assets of
the Russian Central Bank. This measure has been discussed within the
context of using frozen Russian state-owned assets to fund the post-
conflict reconstruction of Ukraine.
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In a separate move, the EU also sanctioned additional individuals and entities
linked to the Wagner Group, including two commanders actively involved in
the capture of Soledar in eastern Ukraine in January 2023.
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Ending the EU's long-term reliance on Russian gas
In order to reduce its energy dependence on Russia, on 8 March 2022 the EU
announced a plan, REPowerEU, that will provide more affordable, secure and
sustainable energy by 2030.
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Council of the European Union, Press release, 25 February 2023
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Council of the European Union, Press release, 25 February 2023
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Council of the European Union, Press release, 25 February 2023
