EU to sanction Russia over Ukraine conflict

The European Council agreed on imposing sanctions in financial, technology, energy and transport sectors, including dual-use goods, export control and export financing, and visa policy. A package of sanctions was approved on 25 February.

The restrictions introduced by Council Regulation (EU) 2022/328 impose a blanket ban on the supply of dual-use items to any Russian person or for use in Russia (article 2). Dual-use items refer to goods, software, and technology that can be used for both civilian and military application (listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2021/821). The sanctions also include standard prohibitions on providing technical assistance, brokering, and other services related to dual-use items, and on providing related financing or financial assistance. Regulation 2022/328 also prohibits the export of a wide variety of goods and technology beyond the dual-use list which might contribute to Russia’s technological enhancement of its defence and security sector. These items include electronic devices such as semiconductors, computers, telecommunications equipment, information security, sensors and lasers, and others.