In a significant move to counter Russia’s destabilizing actions abroad, the Council of the EU has enacted Regulation (EU) 2024/2642 on 8 October 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s hybrid, destabilizing activities (“EU Russia Destabilization Sanctions”). The new sanctions framework aims at targeting individuals and entities involved in hybrid activities that undermine the fundamental values and security of the EU, its member states, and international organizations. The decision, proposed by Josep Borrell, the High…
Baker McKenzie will be hosting an upcoming International Trade Sanctions Conference in Zurich on 15 October 2024. During this conference, our international trade team will discuss the latest developments in international trade measures, namely economic sanctions, covering key regions that impact international trade. We will examine the latest developments in US export controls and sanctions, delve into the regulatory landscape in China and the Asia Pacific and provide insights into the latest developments in EU,…
The Middle East is an increasingly important jurisdiction for Western governments from a Russia sanctions foreign policy perspective, as there is a perception that increased trade flows between the Middle East and Russia means that Western sanctions are effectively being circumvented. Companies in the Middle East may have concerns about triggering EU / UK / US sanctions jurisdiction, or being directly designated by Western governments for engaging in activities deemed to be contrary to the…
On June 24, 2024, the EU adopted its 14th Russia sanctions package, including by amending Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014 (the “EU Russia Sanctions”), effective from June 25, 2024. The amending regulation is accessible here. The 14th package introduced several additional restrictions across different sectors, including: The strengthening of measures designed to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions is likely to be particularly wide-ranging, impacting businesses outside Russia with indirect exposure to Russia and placing certain…