Estonia announces the number of criminal sanctions investigations
Estonia’s Internal Security Service (ISS) has announced that in 2024 it initiated 71 criminal cases for knowing, intentional and repeated violations of Russia sanctions.
EU renews Russia sanctions
The Council renewed the EU restrictive measures in view of the Russian Federation’s continuing actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine for a further 6 months, until 31 July 2025.
EU sanctions 3 Russian officers for cyber-attacks against Estonia
The Council adopted additional restrictive measures against three Russian individuals responsible for a series of cyberattacks carried out against the Republic of Estonia in 2020. The individuals listed are officers of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) Unit 29155. The cyber-attacks granted attackers unauthorized access to classified information and sensitive data stored within several government ministries, including Economic Affairs and Communications, Social Affairs, and Foreign Affairs—leading to the theft of thousands of confidential documents. These documents included business secrets, health records, and other critical information compromising the security of the affected institutions. Unit 29155 is also responsible for conducting cyber-attacks against other EU member states and partners, notably Ukraine. The covert unit, known for its involvement in foreign assassinations and destabilization activities such as bombings and cyber-attacks across Europe, and some of its military personnel active in Ukraine, Western Europe and Africa, was also sanctioned last year under the new sanction regime in view of Russia’s destabilizing activities.
The EU horizontal cyber sanctions regime now applies to 17 individuals and 4 entities. It includes an asset freeze and a travel ban, and the prohibition for EU persons and entities to make funds available to those listed.
EU agrees roadmap to ease Syria sanctions
European Union foreign ministers agreed to take steps towards easing sanctions on Syria following the fall of dictator Bashar Assad's regime in December. The EU has called for Syria's new authorities to implement an "inclusive" political process and respect human rights, including those of Syria's ethnic and religious minority groups. During Syria's 13-year civil war, Western states drastically restricted exports to the Levantine country and cut off diplomatic and financial ties, citing the Assad regime's abuses.
EU extends Tunisia sanctions
The EU has decided to extend its restrictive measures regime against Tunisia for 12 months. The sanctions are now set to expire on 31 January 2026.
EU: Update of the list of restrictive measures for Venezuela
In the light of recent developments in Venezuela and the lack of progress in the context of the Venezuelan-led dialogue to restore democracy and the rule of law, and in view of the continuing serious human rights situation in the country, the Council (EU) adopted two Regulations:
- Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/42 of 9 January 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 on restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela, which updated the alerts on 14 natural persons Link
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/44 of 9 January 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2063 on restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela, which added an additional 15 individuals Link
SECO: Ordinance on measures against Sudan
On 14 January 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research has amended annex 2 of the ordinance on measures against Sudan. Four individuals have been added to the sanctions list. The measures come into force at 6 pm on 15 January 2025. Link
SECO - Sanctions: Ordinance imposing Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 6 February 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) has updated the document ‘Interpretative aid for sanction measures’. The modifications are visible in track changes mode. Link
SECO - Sanctions: Ordinance on measures against Venezuela
On 3 February 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research has amended annex 1 of the ordinance on measures against Venezuela. 15 individuals have been added to the annex and the entries concerning 14 individuals have been modified. The measures come into force on 5 February 2025. Link
SECO: Ordinance on measures against the Democratic Republic of Congo
On 14 January 2025 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 2 of the ordinance on measures against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The entries concerning four individuals have been modified. The modifications come into force at 6 pm on 15 January 2025. Link
SECO - Sanctions: Ordinance imposing Measures connected with the Situation in Ukraine
On 16 January 2025, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs (EAER) has updated the document ‘Interpretative aid for sanction measures. The modifications are visible in track changes mode. Link
United Kingdom: No-Russia Clause
The UK government is issuing this guidance for those involved in export and making available of Common High Priority Items and any other items critical to Russian weapons systems and its military development. It aims to support businesses in tailoring due diligence within exporter contracts and support those wishing to insert a “no re-export to Russia” clause. Link
UK amends VTB Bank sanctions license over asset distributions
The UK’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (‘OFSI’) has amended General License INT/2022/1280876 related to Russian bank VTB, adding new restrictions on asset distributions. The amendment adds Permission 5.3A, which requires that distributions on VTB Bank PJSC’s claims must first deduct the value of any VTB Capital plc assets subject to VTB Bank PJSC enforcement action, as well as VTB Group Receivables. The license modification also specifies that ‘statutory interest should not be paid for any time over which distributions are not paid because of these deductions.’