EU Proposes 14th Round of Sanctions Against Russia: What’s Included?

In response to ongoing geopolitical tensions, the European Union (EU) has unveiled a comprehensive proposal for its 14th sanctions package against Russia.

This latest initiative, forwarded by the European Commission, underscores the EU’s continued efforts to address Russia’s actions, particularly in light of its aggression against Ukraine.The European Commission has forwarded a draft proposal for the 14th package of sanctions against Russia to EU member states.

This proposal includes, among other measures, restrictions on the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia, although a complete embargo is not planned.

The package entails a ban on the transshipment of Russian LNG in European ports, from where it is subsequently distributed worldwide.

Belgium, with its port of Zeebrugge, is a prominent player in this, while France and Spain also stand as significant recipients of Russian LNG.

Furthermore, the sanctions will target Russian LNG projects such as “Arctic” and “Murmansk.”

The Commission also aims to impose sanctions on several vessels from Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which continue to transport Russian oil despite EU restrictions, barring them from entering European ports.

Additionally, the proposal suggests banning transportation companies that are at least a quarter owned by Russians from operating within the EU.

The Commission has also prepared a sanctions list comprising over 50 companies from outside the EU, subject to trade restrictions.

These companies supply Russia with Western components and aid in circumventing sanctions.

Previously, it was reported that sanctions would extend to companies from China, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Kyrgyzstan.

The financing of political parties, funds, non-governmental organizations, and research centers by Russia will also be prohibited.

Symbolically, the European Commission has proposed banning the sale of Ukrainian artworks in the EU market if there are suspicions that they may have been looted.

While there is no prohibition on the import of aluminum in the draft, there is a ban on importing helium.

Regarding export bans, they will affect manganese ore, mining machinery, monitors, and electronics, among other items.

In April, Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis confirmed that the EU had begun work on the next, 14th package of sanctions against Russia due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The previous, 13th package of restrictive measures against Russia was approved by the EU Council on February 23, marking the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

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