Are EU sanctions towards Russia legitimate and efficient

sanctions for HR violations via 2 regimes

country-specific, adopted in 2024

global human rights regime

=> target specific individuals responsible for serious violations and repression the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

what are sanctions

measures imposed by states or international organizations to influence the behavior of a state in response to violations of international law. They function as countermeasures that must be proportionate and respond to a prior unlawful act by the targeted state.

what category of sanctions

• Economic sanctions: restrictions on trade, investment, financial transactions (e.g., embargoes, asset freezes).

• Diplomatic sanctions: limiting or severing diplomatic relations (e.g., recalling ambassadors, restricting visas).

• Military sanctions: arms embargoes or limits on military assistance.

• Targeted (smart) sanctions: measures directed at specific individuals or organizations (e.g., travel bans, luxury goods bans).

Under what legal framework can the UN Security Council impose sanctions?

article 41 of the UNC : the Security Council may order measures not involving armed force, such as economic restrictions or severance of diplomatic relations, to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Which EU treaty articles form the legal basis for EU sanctions?

• Article 29 TEU: Allows the Council to adopt decisions that define the Union’s approach to specific issues.

• Article 215 TFEU: Allows the Council to impose economic and financial restrictive measures against states, entities, or individuals, following a prior Article 29 decision.

Why has the EU imposed sanctions on Russia since 2014?

In response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea (2014), its full-scale invasion of Ukraine (2022), and the illegal annexation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson (2022).

How extensive are the EU’s sanctions against individuals and entities linked to Russia?

Over 2,300 individuals and entities are subject to EU restrictive measures related to threats against Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Which sectors of the Russian economy are targeted by EU sanctions?

Financial, trade, energy, transport, technology, defense, and services provided to Russia or Russian nationals.

How has the EU responded to Russian disinformation campaigns?

Since 2022, the EU has suspended the broadcasting licenses of several Kremlin-backed outlets used to spread disinformation about the war in Ukraine.

What diplomatic actions has the EU taken regarding Russia?

Cancellation of the 2014 EU–Russia summit, suspension of bilateral summits, suspension of visa talks, exclusion of Russia from the G8 (now G7), and support for halting Russia’s accession talks to the OECD (org for economic cooperation and development) and IEA (international energy agency).

What changes did the EU make regarding visa rules for Russian citizens since 2022?

The EU fully suspended the EU-Russia visa facilitation agreement, applying standard visa rules and refusing Russian travel documents issued in parts of Ukraine and Georgia.

Progressively but all in 2022

What are the main criticisms directed at sanctions?

• Potential harm to civilian populations

• Debates over effectiveness

• Risk of politically motivated unilateral actions

• Legal and ethical concerns regarding proportionality, necessity, and non-discrimination

How does the CJEU ensure that EU sanctions comply with fundamental rights?

Individuals or entities listed under EU sanctions may challenge their inclusion before the Court of Justice, which may annul unlawful measures.

What is the legal status of sanction violations within the EU?

Since November 2022, violating EU restrictive measures is classified as an EU crime, ensuring consistent enforcement across member states.

How does the EU plan to use frozen Russian assets?

The EU is considering using revenues from approximately €175 billion in frozen Russian assets to provide a loan to Ukraine, to be repaid once Russia pays reparations. The decision is still under discussion.

Russian invasion

Febuary 24, 2022