The European Union has amended its sanction regime against Russia and adopted its 19th package of sanctions. It introduces the most extensive restrictions to date, focusing on the energy sector, financial systems, trade, services, and anti-circumvention measures and includes a phased ban on imports of Russian energy companies and expands the listing of vessels in Russia’s “shadow fleet”. In the financial sector, additional Russian banks have been placed under transaction bans, with new prohibitions targeting Russia’s payment systems and, for the first time, certain cryptocurrencies and associated exchanges.

Trade measures further restrict exports of dual-use and advanced technology goods and expand individual and company listings linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex, including actors in third countries. Anti-circumvention tools have also been reinforced as well as restrictions on Russian Special Economic Zones, certain digital and AI-related services and re-insurance for Russian government vessels and aircraft. Provisions related to Belarus have been aligned accordingly, including new listings connected to its military-industrial sector.