EU legal analysts question the strict necessity of restrictions put in place after the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. Bloomberg reported this, citing sources in Brussels.
About 30 Russian citizens have challenged the EU sanctions, while roughly ten more have asked to be removed from the lists altogether.
The EU’s legal service told EU ambassadors that several claims are convincing: some sanctioned individuals are not involved in the Ukraine conflict, or the data is outdated or not material to the justification for sanctions.
Specific names of individuals who could see sanctions lifted were not disclosed by Brussels.
Bloomberg notes that losing a wrongful-sanctions case in EU courts could carry serious economic and reputational consequences.
Several European diplomats cautioned against rushing decisions during a meeting on Wednesday, advocating a careful approach.
Sanctions were imposed after the Russian Federation recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and launched a military operation in Ukraine. The lists include hundreds of Russians, including businessmen, officials, media executives and diplomats.
Notable figures such as Roman Abramovich, Gennady Timchenko, Petr Aven, Mikhail Fridman, Alexei Mordashov, Andrey Melnichenko and their spouses challenged the measures in court. Since February 24, at least 41 EU sanctions cases have been filed, including cases involving legal entities.
Anticipated list expansions
Bloomberg reports that the EU plans to extend restrictions to about 50 more individuals and entities from Russia as part of its seventh sanctions package.
Earlier, Euractiv indicated that the seventh package would be approved within a week, potentially banning Russian gold imports and broadening the sanctions list further. The package is also expected to broaden the export controls on dual-use goods to include additional persons and entities tied to President Vladimir Putin’s circle.
The sanctions campaign began in 2014, when the EU, along with allies, imposed penalties on several Russian individuals, banks and companies following Crimea-related moves. Since then, the measures have expanded across sectors, especially military-industrial, agricultural and financial sectors. The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other partners have adopted parallel restrictions.
[Citation: Bloomberg] These developments are part of an ongoing, coordinated effort among Western economies to address actions perceived as destabilizing in the region. The evolving sanctions regime continues to draw legal scrutiny, regulatory updates, and political debate across Brussels and beyond.