EU Council extends sanctions over Russian occupation of Crimea

The Council of the European Union has decided to extend until June 23 next year the sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

This was reported by the press service of the EU Council on June 17.

The restrictive measures, first introduced in June 2014, include a ban on imports into the EU of goods originating in the illegally annexed Crimea or Sevastopol. Additionally, the sanctions encompass restrictions on infrastructure or financial investments, tourism services, and the export of certain goods and technologies to Crimean companies or for use in the illegally annexed Crimea in sectors such as transport, telecommunications, and energy. The measures also apply to activities related to the search, exploration, and production of oil, gas, and mineral resources.

Earlier reports indicated that European Union countries had faced challenges in reaching consensus on another package of sanctions against Russia, with Germany cited for reservations. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz clarified that Germany is not blocking the new sanctions but is working to ensure their effectiveness.