On 23 October, the European Council adopted a new framework for restrictive measures against Niger which seek to “sanction those who undermine the stability, democracy, rule of law in Niger, and constitute a threat to peace and security in the region” in response to the July 2023 military coup in Niger. The sanctions consist of asset freezes, and the related prohibition to make funds available to targeted individuals and entities, as well as travel bans…
On 9 June 2023, the EU Council published draft legislation introducing EU-wide criminal penalties and stricter enforcement for the evasion of EU sanctions. The EU Council’s press release explains that it has settled its position on the terms of new legislation to align criminal offences and penalties across the EU, before commencing negotiations with the European Parliament on its finalisation. Currently, Member States are not obligated to criminalise sanctions circumvention, however, once finalised, Member States…
The UK announced on 15 March 2022 that it will impose import tariffs on hundreds of key Russian products. In addition to banning the export of luxury goods to Russia, the UK government has also published an initial list of goods worth £900 million – including vodka – which will now face additional 35 percent tariff, on top of any tariffs that are currently applicable. These relevant products are as follows: Iron, steel, fertilisers, wood,…
The EU introduced, on 15 March 2022, a number of additional sanctions measures including in particular on the direct or indirect import of certain iron and steel products if they originate in or have been exported from Russia. Full details of the sanctioned iron and steel items are set in Annex XVII to the applicable amending regulations (being Council Regulation (EU) 2022/248, available here). It is estimated, in accordance with the European Commission’s (“EC”)…