European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced new EU sanctions targeting eight companies registered in China, and she indicated that these measures are part of a broader effort to curb Russia’s access to restricted goods. The president spoke in an interview with the German broadcaster ZDF, noting that several of the targeted firms exist largely on paper and are controlled by owners based in other nations. This approach underscores the EU’s focus on entities that facilitate evading sanctions and enable the transfer of European products through third countries to the Russian Federation.
In her remarks, Von der Leyen described the latest sanctions package as a significant step in tightening pressure on those who help circumvent the rules. She highlighted that more than 90 companies worldwide have been identified as having evidence of aiding the circumvention of restrictions. The EU’s aim is to disrupt supply chains for goods that can be considered dual-use, meaning items that have both civilian and potential military applications, which can be misused in the Russian context. The measures will focus on companies that provide or arrange shipments of European products through intermediaries, or that enable the movement of such goods into Russia via third countries.
The head of the European Commission stressed that the policy remains part of a coordinated international effort. In the same period, reports circulated about a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden. The discussions reportedly reaffirmed a commitment to maintaining sanctions on the Russian Federation and continuing support for Ukraine. The dialogue reflects a shared strategy among major economies to apply sustained diplomatic and economic pressure in response to ongoing conflicts and aggression in the region. [Citation: European Commission leadership remarks; international briefings]
Analysts note that the inclusion of Chinese-registered companies into the restrictive framework signals an emphasis on transparency and the origin of controlling interests. By targeting entities with Shell-like corporate structures or those that operate primarily through registered fronts, the EU aims to close loopholes that could be exploited to move restricted goods. The strategy also involves close cooperation with national authorities to verify the real ownership and beneficial status of listed firms, ensuring that sanctions have the intended effect without unduly harming ordinary business activity beyond the targeted players. [Citation: EU policy briefings]
Observers point to the complexity of enforcing these measures across borders, given the global nature of supply chains and the prevalence of cross-border ownership. The EU plans to expand monitoring and compliance mechanisms, including enhanced screening of intermediaries and closer scrutiny of trade finance flows. In addition to penalties, the package may include licensing restrictions and enhanced reporting requirements for entities suspected of facilitating circumvention. The overarching goal remains to reduce Russia’s access to imported goods that could support its strategic and military objectives, while preserving international markets for peaceful commerce. [Citation: regional trade analyses]
Within Europe, member states are tasked with implementing the new rules through national legal frameworks, updating sanctions lists, and coordinating enforcement actions with EU agencies. Businesses are advised to conduct thorough due diligence, review their supply chains for potential links to restricted routes, and adjust procurement practices to align with the evolving regime. The EU continues to emphasize that sanctions are dynamic tools designed to respond rapidly to developments on the ground, with regular updates and refinements as needed. [Citation: EU regulatory guidance]