New measures in preparation. The European Commission presented, Wednesday, May 4, a sixth package of sanctions against Russia, in response to the offensive led by Moscow in Ukraine. The EU invites the Member States, which will have the last word, to gradually ban imports of Russian oil and to expand the blacklist of personalities close to the Kremlin whose assets are frozen. Here, sector by sector, is the detail of the measures proposed or already approved since the beginning of the Russian invasion (even, in some cases, since the annexation of Crimea in 2014).
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An embargo on coal and oil
which is already in effect. The European Union, some member states of which are very dependent on Moscow for energy, has decided to stop its purchases of Russian coal from August. Brussels prohibits Europeans from making new investments in Russia’s energy sector or exporting oil-refining goods and technology to Russia. The 27 have also planned to significantly reduce their imports of Russian gas by the end of the year.
What is proposed by the Commission. The EU now advocates “a ban on all Russian oil, crude and refined, transported by sea and by pipeline”, according to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This stop would be “progressive”starting with crude oil deliveries “within six months” and refined products “by the end of the year”. A derogation is proposed to allow Hungary and Slovakia to continue their purchases from Russia until the end of 2023, as these two countries are totally dependent on pipeline deliveries.
Budapest however, on Wednesday rejected the proposal for a gradual embargo on Russian oil “in its present form”judging that such a measure “would completely destroy energy security” from the country. Any sanction must be approved by all 27 member states.
An isolated financial sector
which is already in effect. The EU has excluded some Russian and Belarusian banks of the Swift interbank system, an essential cog in global finance that allows transactions to be communicated quickly and securely. It also prohibited any transaction with the Russian Central Bank, any public financing or investment in the country and any supply to Russia of banknotes denominated in euros. The access of some Russian banks and companies to European capital markets is limited.
What is proposed by the Commission. The new sanctions being studied provide for the exclusion from the Swift system of the largest Russian bank, Sberkank, which represents 37% of the market, and two other establishments. “This will reinforce the total isolation of the Russian financial sector”according to Ursula von der Leyen.
Commercial activities on hold
which is already in effect. The export of luxury items is prohibited, as is the arms trade and the sale of goods and technological products “which could contribute to Russia’s defense and security capabilities”. Conversely, it is no longer allowed to import iron, steel, wood, cement, seafood or alcohol from Russia.
What is proposed by the Commission. It is now planned to prohibit any consulting activity for Russian companies in Europe.
More than a thousand personalities on the EU blacklist
which is already in effect. According to the EU, 1,093 people are currently subject to a ban on entering European territory and a freezing of their assets. Vladimir Putin is on the list (in English), just like its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov, and the boss of the oil company Rosneft, Igor Sechine. Businessmen and oligarchs, such as Roman Abramovich, are also registered, as well as deputies, members of the National Security Council and senior civil servants. Added to this are 80 entities accused of being linked to the war in Ukraine.
What is proposed by the Commission. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, an outspoken supporter of the offensive in Ukraine, is among the new personalities that Brussels is proposing to add to its blacklist. We also find the family of the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, and many soldiers suspected of war crimes in Boutcha.
Media silenced
which is already in effect. Since March, the broadcasting activities of the Sputnik and Russia Today channels, accused of contributing “to the promotion of military aggression against Ukraine and the destabilization of neighboring countries”, are suspended. This measure will apply “until the aggression against Ukraine ends” and until the stop “disinformation campaigns and manipulation of information against the EU”.
What is proposed by the Commission. Access to European airwaves could also be cut off at three major Russian state broadcasters. The latter would be prohibited from distributing their content in the EU by cable, satellite, internet or smartphone applications.
Ports, roads and airspace closed
which is already in effect. European airspace is prohibited to all Russian aircraft, as is access to European territory for Russian and Belarusian road carriers. The European Union has also closed its ports to Russian ships and banned all exports in the air (aircraft, spare parts, equipment, etc.), maritime and space sectors.
What is proposed by the Commission. No significant new provisions have yet been announced.