Reports indicate that a group of European Union member states is pushing to soften Brussels’ proposed measures aimed at preventing sanctions evasion by Russia through third countries, according to Bloomberg sources.
EU leaders are weighing a ban that would stop importers from reselling high-priority goods — including semiconductors critical to weapons production — to Russia or for use in Russia, the agency notes. The plan also contemplates a deposit requirement, where a portion of funds would be held in a dedicated account. If the measures pass, at least half of the funds could be redirected to a trust for Ukraine, and contracts involving high-priority goods would be terminated if a company breaches them. Exporters would be required to notify national authorities about possible violations by third-country partners.
Bloomberg reports that diplomatic representatives from a cluster of major EU member states question the legality and suitability of these demands. Opponents of Brussels’ proposals have pressed for a narrower list of restricted goods, warning that broad restrictions might undermine the competitiveness of European firms.
Bloomberg does not identify which countries oppose the initiative. Other EU members, including the Baltic states, have expressed support for the proposals.
What does the EU want?
The aim is to curb Russia’s access to essential, militarily useful goods routed through third countries. Regions such as Kazakhstan, Serbia, Türkiye, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan have been noted in discussions (Bloomberg).
According to the reporting, exports from these nations to Russia fell in the latter half of 2023 but remained above pre-crisis levels when Moscow began its operation in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, more than 80 percent of Russia’s purchases of high-priority goods come from China, with new routes forming through hubs in Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, and related corridors.
12th sanctions package
Since the start of Russia’s operation in Ukraine, the EU has enacted 11 sanctions packages, with the 12th package under consideration. Bloomberg notes that the forthcoming package would target Russian diamonds and impose new restrictions on liquids such as propane, along with certain metals and related products. The core goal of these measures is to curb sanctions evasion and shrink Moscow’s revenue streams.
Reuters corroborates that the 12th package would also sanction 47 individuals and 72 legal entities, broadening the scope of penalties.
On November 17, a TASS-documented briefing suggested that ambassadors from member states, united in one EU Council delegation, had begun initial talks on the package, though reaching consensus remained uncertain. The aim appears to be a leaders’ summit in December, but officials cautioned that agreement might be unlikely at this stage.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, characterized the 12th package as a breach of international law. She argued that Brussels was targeting Russian economic sectors still outside the current restrictions and warned that the response would be proportional.