In the light of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council today adopted a set of legal acts ensuring that the net profits stemming from unexpected and extraordinary revenues accruing to central securities depositories (CSDs) in the EU, as a result of the implementation of the EU restrictive measures, will be used for […]
EU expands scope of sanctions against Iran
The Council has decided to broaden the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This framework, adopted in July 2023, currently prohibits the export of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the EU to Iran, and […]
MEPs call for a firm response to counter Russian interference
Parliament calls on the political leadership in the EU and member states to counter Russian interference attempts urgently and vigorously. Following several recent revelations of Kremlin-backed attempts to interfere with and undermine European democratic processes, MEPs adopted on Thursday a resolution firmly denouncing such efforts. Any such tactics, they say, must have consequences. Parliament is […]
Russian voters had no real choice, says the EU
The presidential elections held by Russia on 15-17 March took place in a highly restricted environment exacerbated also by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russian authorities have continued to increase the systematic internal repression by cracking down on opposition politicians, civil society organisations, independent media and other critical voices with the use of […]
MEPs: EU must actively support Russia’s democratic opposition
The Russian state, and Vladimir Putin personally, bear criminal and political responsibility for the death of their strongest opponent, Alexei Navalny, say MEPs. The European Parliament strongly condemns the murder of Alexei Navalny and gives its full support to Yulia Navalnaya in her determination to continue his work. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, they […]
EU adopts 13th package of sanctions against Russia after two years of its war of aggression against Ukraine
The Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of a 13th package of sanctions against Russia. Two years since Russia brutally invaded Ukraine, EU’s support for Ukraine and its people remains as strong as ever. Europe is united and determined to continue defending its values and founding principles. This package focuses on further limiting Russia’s access to […]
Joint statement by President von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on the death of Alexei Navalny
We are shocked and grieved by today’s reports about the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Our thoughts are with his wife Yulia Navalnaya, his family and with all those in Russia and beyond who believe in a democratic and peaceful future for Russia. We will honour his memory as a freedom fighter. Alexei […]
European Parliament condemns Russia’s continued efforts to undermine European democracy
In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 433 votes in favour, 56 against and 18 abstentions, Parliament expresses its complete outrage and grave concern about the continuous efforts by Russia to undermine European democracy through various forms of interference and disinformation. With the Kremlin attempting to sow divisions between European citizens, the text highlights how […]
EU adopts 12th package of economic and individual sanctions
The Council adopted a twelfth package of economic and individual restrictive measures in view of the continued Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. These measures deliver a further blow to Putin’s ability to wage war by targeting high-value sectors of the Russian economy and making it more difficult to circumvent EU sanctions. Diamonds The EU […]