On 20 May 2025, the European Union adopted its 17th sanctions package in response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Building on the extensive measures already in place, this package signals a further tightening of economic and legal pressure points, with over 2,400 individuals and entities now sanctioned. Notably, the package reflects a growing willingness by the EU to extend its sanctions regime not only in scope but in geographic and sectoral reach. This blog…
The French authorities (French Treasury – Direction Générale du Trésor) have provided an important update for operators in France regarding the renewal of licenses for the provision of intragroup services and software to Russia. Under Article 5n of Regulation (EU) 833/2014 (“EU Russia Sanctions Regulation”), the supply of certain services and software to persons established in Russia is prohibited. However, until 30 September 2024, the supply of these services and software to Russian entities owned…
On March 25, 2025, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved a draft bill to implement Directive (EU) 2024/1226 on the definition of criminal offenses and penalties for the violation of Union restrictive measures and amending Directive (EU) 2018/1673 (“Draft Bill” and “Directive”, respectively). The Directive established minimum Member State requirements concerning the definition of criminal offenses and penalties for the violation and circumvention of EU sanctions. For further detail on the Directive, see our blog post…
Our Baker McKenzie’s Global Trade and Sanctions Practice recently held a snap webinar on Looking ahead to future developments in US, EU and UK Russia sanctions policy.The session discussed the current sanctions frameworks in relation to Russia, how these could be relaxed, and how the EU and UK may respond, drawing on past experiences where sanctions programmes have been lifted. The session also provided practical guidance on what companies can do now to be prepared for these potential…