The European Union expands its sanctions with the 10th package focused on Wagner and allied entities
The European Union, as part of the 10th sanctions package, has established a separate package targeting the Wagner Group. This block includes 11 individuals and 7 organizations, and the sanctions list is published in the EU Official Journal. The move reflects the EU’s ongoing effort to curb the activities of groups deemed a threat to peace and security across member states and beyond.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign policy, stated that the Wagner Group’s operations threaten civilians in the regions where it operates and disrupt stability within the European Union. He underscored the Union’s resolve to pursue concrete measures against violations of international law. This stance signals a broader pattern of EU action designed to deter and sanction actors that undermine international norms and regional security.
In addition to targeting Wagner, the tenth package of sanctions also identifies the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) as part of the measures. The package reflects the EU’s intent to hold accountable not only the direct actors but also the institutions that enable aggression and covert operations that destabilize order.
Records show that on February 25, the European Union formally rolled out the tenth package against the Russian Federation. Following the implementation, the overall sanctions framework covered 1,473 individuals and 205 entities. This expansion demonstrates the EU’s commitment to maintaining pressure on those perceived as threats to regional and international peace, while coordinating with international partners to address evolving security challenges.
Analysts note that such sanctions aim to disrupt financing, travel, and operational capabilities of designated parties. The targeted individuals and organizations often appear in public statements, official registers, and government actions that corroborate their involvement in activities deemed incompatible with international norms. The EU’s approach combines asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on business activity to limit the ability of sanctioned actors to operate across borders. Marked references to the EU Official Journal provide formal documentation of these decisions, ensuring transparency within the bloc and among international observers (EU Official Journal).
Absolutely central to these moves is the idea that sanctions are tools of foreign policy designed to deter harmful behavior without escalating conflict. By naming and shaming specific entities, the EU communicates its red lines and its willingness to enforce them. The 10th package reaffirms the EU’s stance that international law matters and that collective action among member states remains essential for maintaining a rules-based international order. Observers highlight that the efficacy of such measures depends on consistent implementation, close monitoring, and ongoing dialogue with global partners (EU Official Journal).
Looking ahead, policymakers expect continued refinement of the sanctions regime, including the expansion of lists, adjustments to restrictions, and potential coordination with allied governments. The Wagner Group, along with its network of sponsors and state-linked backers, remains a focal point for decision-makers seeking to preserve regional security and uphold international norms. As in previous rounds, the EU emphasizes that these steps are part of a broader strategy to deter aggression, support affected regions, and promote accountability across the international community (EU Official Journal).