23 February 2024

In view of the second year mark of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Council of the European Union (the Council) adopted on 23 February 2024 the 13^th package of sanctions against Russia.

This new package includes additional listings of individuals and entities subject to financial sanctions and travel ban in the EU.

The Council also added 27 entities to the list of those contributing to Russia’s military and industrial efforts in its war of aggression against Ukraine. This means that the trade with such entities of goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defense and security sector (incl. dual use goods and technologies), is now subject to tighter export restrictions.

It is worth noting that some of the newly listed companies are located in third countries (India, Sri Lanka, China, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and Turkey) and believed to have been involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions, whereas the others are Russian entities considered as involved in the development, production and supply of electronic components for Russia’s military and industrial complex.

In addition, the Council expanded the list of items that could contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security by adding components for the development and production of military drones (see in particular CN code 8532 22) – which are now subject to an export ban in Russia or for use in Russia.

Finally, the Council introduced further trade restrictions by prohibiting the export in Russia or for use in Russia of electric transformers, static converters and inductors (CN code 8504) in view of impeding Russian industrial capabilities.

Council Regulation (EU) 2024/745 of 23 February 2024 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/746 of 23 February 2024 amending Decision 2014/512/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine

Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/753 of 23 February 2024 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (including the list of sanctioned individuals and entities)

Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/747 of 23 February 2024 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (including the list of sanctioned individuals and entities)