On 23rd October, the European Council adopted a sweeping 19th package of further 69 individual listings and numerous economic restrictive measures targeting key sectors which fuel Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, including energy, finance and the military industrial complex.
The Council is also strengthening control over the movement of Russian diplomats across the EU and taking further measures against those responsible for the abduction of Ukrainian children.
As part of the package, the Council also imposed further measures on Belarus to restrict the latter’s support for the Russian war effort.
The 19th package contains the following key elements:
Energy measures:
- A phased ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG): short-term contracts must end within six months; long-term contracts by 1 Jan 2027.
- A full transaction ban (for the first time) on major Russian oil companies Rosneft and Gazprom Neft with regard to imports into the EU.
- Measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers circumventing oil price caps: listing of additional vessels, bans on port access, services, registration etc.
Finance & payments:
- New banks in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and operators in third-countries (e.g., UAE, Hong Kong, Central Asia) are added to transaction bans.
- Bans on Russia’s payment-card system (“Mir”) and fast-payment system (“SBP”).
- Sanctions on a Russian-state-supported stablecoin (A7A5) and platform, and prohibition on EU operators providing crypto/fintech services that could help Russia circumvent sanctions.
Trade and export-control:
- Additional export bans and restrictions on dual-use goods, strategic materials (metals, oxides, alloys), unmanned systems, etc. Entities in third countries (including China, India and Thailand) supplying Russia’s military-industrial complex are listed.
- Prohibition on entering new contracts (and for some zones, existing ones) with entities located in certain Russian Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that support Russia’s war effort.
- Service bans: e.g., AI services, high-performance computing, commercial space-based services to Russian entities. Also prohibition on tourism services in Russia for EU operators.
Diplomatic and human rights:
- Tighter rules for travel and movement of Russian diplomats within the EU: they must inform the receiving Member State in advance and may require authorisation.
- Additional listings of individuals involved in the abduction and forced assimilation of Ukrainian children.
- Measures also directed at Belarus for its support of Russia’s war effort.
Staying Ahead of Sanctions Compliance
Each new EU sanctions package adds complexity for global trade professionals. For businesses connected to high-risk sectors or regions, keeping compliance frameworks current is essential.
CATTS can help you stay compliant, reduce risk, and adapt with confidence. Send us a message if you’d like to explore how these changes may affect your operations.