Germany is pushing for end user controls on technological and electronic products that could be used by Russia for military purposes in Ukraine. The claim comes from Bloomberg, which cited German Economy Minister Robert Habeck as the source of the initiative.
According to the Bloomberg report, Habeck spoke to reporters on March 24 about Germany reviewing export data from the countries that were once part of the Soviet Union and from other nations that share a border with Russia. He noted that truck traffic has surged roughly fourfold since the EU introduced sanctions against the Russian Federation, signaling a potential shift in how dual use items are moved and monitored.
Habeck outlined a policy option that would require end use controls for such goods. He stressed that end-use checks are typically reserved for items with clear military applications and warned that without proper oversight, these products could be redirected to uses that aid the war effort. The minister emphasized that manufacturers and distributors would need to identify the ultimate recipient of these products and the final destination before shipments proceed, arguing that transparency at the point of sale is essential to prevent leakage to sanctioned parties.
To implement this approach, Habeck proposed adding a new layer of sanctions against the Russian Federation. He argued that a calibrated package of measures should be designed to deter evasion while staying within the bounds of existing European Union law. The plan would require coordination across EU member states to ensure that rules are harmonized and enforceable, taking into account the diversity of legal frameworks that exist within the Union.
Habeck did not overlook the legal complexities involved. He pointed out that the EU comprises nations with different regulatory traditions and that any move of this kind would need careful legal review to avoid gaps or inconsistencies. The minister underscored the importance of a unified approach that would prevent loopholes and ensure that end-use controls are applied consistently across the union.
Former Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev has claimed that a significant portion of goods produced by Russian exporters ends up in the country through gray or parallel import channels. This assertion adds another layer of concern for policymakers who are considering stricter controls on dual-use items, as it highlights potential routes around sanctions and the ongoing challenges of monitoring supply chains during heightened tensions.