29
Fri, Mar
51 New Articles

Sanctions Alert: A Summary of Sanctions News and Events

Sanctions Alert: A Summary of Sanctions News and Events

Russia
Tools
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times
The UK will continue to support EU sanctions against Russia

On 2 September 2016, the UK Foreign Secretary said that, despite Brexit, the UK would continue to support EU sanctions against Russia in relation to its actions towards Ukraine (statement reported by Reuters). Boris Johnson stated that the UK was “absolutely committed to participation in European foreignpolicy cooperation and European defense and security cooperation”. Furthermore, on 15 September 2016, the House of Commons Defence Committee issued a report in which it reiterated the UK’s support of the EU sanctions regime against Russia.

EU extends duration of asset freezes relating to the Ukraine crisis

On 15 September 2016, the EU adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/1671, extending its asset freezes against the already listed 146 individuals and 37 entities said to be involved in undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The restrictive measures, which had been introduced in March 2014 (see Issue 15 of the Sanctions Alert), have been extended until 15 March 2017. The Council added that “the assessment of the situation did not justify a change in the regime of sanctions nor in the list of persons and entities under restrictive measures”. On 24 October 2016, the High Representative on behalf of the EU announced that candidate countries Montenegro and Albania, the EFTA countries Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the EEA and Ukraine aligned themselves with the Council by ensuring that their national policies conform to the Council’s decision.

EU adds six members of Russian parliament to sanctions list 

On 8 November 2016, the EU Council added six individuals to its sanctions list over actions against Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The restrictive measures were introduced in March 2014 (see Issue 15 of the Sanctions Alert). The 6 individuals have been listed for being members of the State Duma, having been elected from the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Further reasons also include their respective roles and support in the annexation process. The Council stated that “[i] line with its non-recognition policy, the EU considers that the persons who became members of the State Duma as a result of the elections in Crimea should be placed under sanctions”. These sanctions have been mirrored by both Switzerland and the US. The new entries were implemented pursuant to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1955 implementing Regulation 269/2014 and Decision 2016/1961 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP.

By Debevoise & Plimpton