EU adopted its sixth set of sanctions on Russia and Belarus

• EU adopted its sixth package of economic and individual sanctions against both Russia and Belarus in view of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine
• The EU has voted to prevent Russia from purchasing, importing, or exporting crude oil and certain petroleum products into the EU.
• Three more Russian state-owned stations have their broadcasting activities in the EU suspended: Rossiya RTR/RTR Planeta, Rossiya 24 / Russia 24 and TV Centre International.

EU adopted its sixth package of economic and individual sanctions against both Russia and Belarus in view of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and Belarus’ support for it, as well as reported atrocities committed by Russian armed troops in Ukraine, according to the press

“With today’s package, we are increasing limitations to the Kremlin’s ability to finance the war by imposing further economic sanctions. We are banning the import of Russian oil into the EU and with this cutting a massive source of revenue for Russia. We are cutting off more of the key Russian banks from the international payment system SWIFT. We are also sanctioning those responsible for the atrocities that took place in Bucha and Mariupol and banning more disinformation actors actively contributing to President Putin’s war propaganda,” says Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

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The agreed-upon package contains a number of measures aimed at thwarting Russia’s ability to continue its actions.

Oil

The EU has voted to prevent Russia from purchasing, importing, or exporting crude oil and certain petroleum products into the EU. Russian oil will be phased out over six months for crude oil and eight months for other refined petroleum products.

A limited exception is planned for pipeline imports of crude oil into EU member states who, because to their geographic location, are completely reliant on Russian supply and have no viable alternatives.

Furthermore, Bulgaria and Croatia will benefit from temporary import exemptions for Russian seaborne crude oil and vacuum gas oil, respectively.

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De-SWIFTing of additional Russian and Belarusian banks

The European Union is extending the existing prohibition on the provision of specialised financial messaging services (SWIFT) to three more Russian credit institutions – Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, and Russian Agricultural Bank – as well as the Belarusian Bank For Development And Reconstruction.

Broadcasting

Three more Russian state-owned stations have their broadcasting activities in the EU suspended: Rossiya RTR/RTR Planeta, Rossiya 24 / Russia 24 and TV Centre International. The Russian government has utilized these mechanisms to distort information and spread falsehoods regarding the invasion of Ukraine, including propaganda, in order to destabilize Russia’s surrounding countries as well as the EU and its member states. These limits will not prevent those media outlets and their employees from engaging in activities other than broadcasting in the EU, such as research and interviews, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Export restrictions

The EU is increasing the list of people and companies subject to dual-use products and technology export restrictions. Both Russian and Belarusian entities have been included to the list. Furthermore, the EU will increase the list of goods and technologies that can help Russia’s defense and security sector advance technologically. There will be 80 chemicals in total that can be utilized to make chemical weapons.

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Consulting services

The EU will prohibit the provision of accounting, public relations and consultancy services, as well as cloud services tin Russia.

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