EU updates the list of armaments: a new list for 2026
The Council of the EU has published an updated Common Arms List of the European Union, which replaces the 2025 version and specifies the categories of military equipment subject to export controls. The document updates and replaces the list of 24 February 2025, adapting it to technological changes and new needs for export control of military equipment. The list covers the full spectrum of military technology and equipment covered by the common export control rules resulting from Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. It includes, but is not limited to: (1) updated definitions of weapon categories; (2) Specified descriptions of equipment and technology; (3) standardised technical references; (4) changes resulting from technological advances and new military applications. The Act is a key tool for national administrations, the defence industry and exporters, ensuring the consistency of export controls across the EU and supporting a responsible security policy.
EU is extending sanctions against people associated with the destabilization of Ukraine until 2027
The published Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/490 of 26 February 2026 updates Decision 2014/119/CFSP, which lays down restrictive measures against persons, entities and bodies responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian public funds or human rights violations in the context of the situation in Ukraine. The Council of the EU extended sanctions against individuals and entities associated with the destabilisation of Ukraine until 6 March 2027.
EU: Update of EU restrictive measures against Russia
The Council of the EU adopted Implementing Regulation 2026/431, which updates and implements the restrictive measures provided for in Regulation (EU) 2024/1485 in view of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. The act clarifies the scope of sanctions, in particular by: supplementing the list of sanctioned persons, including the freezing of assets and the prohibition of making funds available. The changes concern the addition of 8 natural persons. The regulation enters into force on 28 February 2026 and is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
EU is updating sanctions against Belarus
The Council of the EU adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/426, which updates the EU list of persons and entities sanctioned in relation to the situation in Belarus and its involvement in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The amendments concern 54 individuals and 7 entities whose entries in the list have been updated to reflect their continued involvement in internal repression and in Belarus's complicity in Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The document extends the restrictions until February 28, 2027. and clarifies the reasons for inclusion in the sanctions list, reinforcing the effectiveness and timeliness of restrictive measures. The changes include both those responsible for the repression of civil society and those supporting the regime's actions and military cooperation with Russia. The Regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Restrictions on exports to Latin American and Caribbean markets
The great possibilities of exporting Polish products to the markets of Latin America and the Caribbean were repeatedly emphasized. And indeed, this potential is significant. At the same time, you should be aware of the existing limitations. They result from three basic factors: firstly, the internal regulations of individual countries in the region; secondly, the existing economic sanctions; Thirdly, from the decisions made by the Polish exporters themselves.
EU is putting sanctions in order: changes to the list of restricted persons
On 14 March 2026, the Council of the EU adopted Implementing Regulation 2026/695, which updates the EU sanctions list against persons and entities undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The most important changes are the removal of deceased persons, the deletion of several entries and the clarification of the data of existing items. The regulation enters into force on 15 March 2026 and is directly applicable in all Member States.
Switzerland Removes Seven Individuals from Russia Sanctions List
Switzerland has officially removed seven individuals from its sanctions list targeting Russia, marking a selective adjustment to its ongoing restrictive measures linked to the war in Ukraine. The move was carried out under the country’s Ukraine-related sanctions framework, which has been in place since the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine War. Swiss authorities periodically review listings to ensure they remain legally justified and aligned with current evidence. Among those reportedly delisted are business figures including Maya Tokareva and Niels Troost, though detailed reasons for their removal have not been fully disclosed. Such decisions are often influenced by legal appeals, reassessments of involvement, or changes in personal or business circumstances.
UK cracks down on sanctioned vessels in its waters
The United Kingdom has stepped up enforcement measures against sanctioned vessels, reinforcing its efforts to prevent restricted ships from operating within its maritime jurisdiction. In a recent announcement, the HM Treasury, along with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, confirmed stricter controls targeting vessels linked to sanctioned entities. The move is aimed at ensuring that such ships are denied access to UK ports and related services.
UK sanctions
Tuesday 17 March, the UK Government has varied 1 individual, corrected 3 entities and 1 individual and revoked (de-listed) 1 individual under the Russia sanctions regime.
Varied Individual:
| Name | Unique ID |
| Viacheslav KANTOR | RUS1127 |
Corrected entities and individual:
| Name | Unique ID |
| JSC BBR Bank | RUS3080 |
| PUBLIC JOINT STOCK COMPANY "TRANSCAPITALBANK" | RUS3459 |
| JOINT-STOCK COMMERCIAL BANK FORA-BANK (JOINT-STOCK COMPANY) | RUS3464 |
| Nikolay Dmitrievich PESKOV | RUS0862 |
Revoked individual:
| Name | Unique ID |
| German BELOUS | RUS0846 |
Monday 16 March, the UK Government has varied the following designation under the Russia sanctions regime.
Varied Individual:
| Name | Unique ID |
| Viacheslav KANTOR | RUS1127 |
OFAC issues amended and new general licenses tied to the Venezuelan energy sector
On March 13, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) expanded the scope of three existing general licenses (“GLs”) and issued two amended Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) related to certain imports and activities involving electricity and petrochemicals in Venezuela. On March 18, 2026, OFAC also issued a new GL authorizing transactions with Venezuelan state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (“PdVSA”), subject to certain conditions, and issued two new FAQs related thereto.
U.S. house passes enhanced Iran sanctions act to target oil trade networks
The United States House of Representatives has passed the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, a bipartisan measure aimed at tightening economic pressure on Iran by targeting its oil trade and associated networks. The legislation, introduced by Mike Lawler and co-led by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, seeks to expand sanctions on entities involved in the transportation, financing, and facilitation of Iranian oil exports.
US issues temporary licence for Iranian oil shipments at Sea
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued a temporary general licence permitting the sale and delivery of Iranian-origin oil currently stranded at sea, in a move aimed at easing global energy supply pressures. The measure, known as General License U, authorizes transactions involving Iranian crude oil and petroleum products that were already loaded onto vessels as of March 20, 2026. The authorization will remain in effect until April 19, 2026, after which standard sanctions restrictions will resume.
Key provisions
- The licence allows delivery, sale, and offloading of Iranian-origin oil already in transit.
- It covers activities necessary to complete shipments, including shipping, insurance, and port services.
- The authorization is strictly limited to existing cargoes, and does not permit new purchases or production.