European Union ambassadors are set to discuss the 14th round of sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Today, the European Commission has outlined a series of proposals in a document reviewed by Reuters. Here's a breakdown:
LNG Restrictions:
- The EU would prohibit the use of its facilities for reloading Russian LNG intended for third countries, though direct imports to the EU remain unaffected.
- New investments and provisions of technology or related services for ongoing LNG projects in Russia (such as Arctic LNG) by EU operators would be banned.
Maritime Sector:
- The EU seeks to exclude vessels linked to Russia's war efforts from its ports and locks. This could impact ships transporting goods that generate significant revenue for Russia, those carrying military-use technology, or those shipping fuels outside the G7 price cap.
Combating Sanctions Evasion:
- EU operators would be held liable if non-EU companies they own or control violate sanctions provisions.
- Operators of sensitive goods with battlefield or critical military applications would be required to implement systems to track and mitigate risks of exports to Russia.
- EU operators must contractually ensure third parties respect intellectual property and trade secret restrictions to prevent Russia from benefiting.
Expanded Targets:
- Political parties, think tanks, foundations, and media outlets would face restrictions on receiving funds, donations, or economic advantages from Russia.
- Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestija, and Rossiiskaja Gazeta could be added to the list of sanctioned media organizations.
Other Restrictions:
- Imports of helium from Russia would be banned.
- Further export restrictions on goods potentially aiding Russian industry, including manganese ores, rare-earth compounds, excavating machinery, and electrical equipment.
- Clarifying that existing bans on diamond imports wouldn't apply to rough diamonds imported pre-January 1st and polished diamonds imported pre-March 1st or September 1st.
Transport Sector
- Russian flight restrictions would be tightened, including rules applying to any aircraft where Russian entities influence landing decisions.
- Operators would be obligated to disclose plane ownership details and, in specific instances, passenger information to authorities.
- Road transport restrictions would target companies with significant Russian ownership to prevent circumvention.
