News item | 03-06-2022 | 12:40
On June 3, 2022, the European Union (EU) adopted the sixth sanctions package against Russia. The sanctions have been imposed because of the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine. The new sanctions target, among others, oil imports, Russian banks, media companies, the defense and security sector, and responsible persons and entities. Sanctions against Belarus are also being tightened.
New sanctions against Russia and Belarus
The EU has adopted the sixth sanctions package against Russia. The purpose of this is to increase the pressure on those responsible and make it even more difficult for Russia to pay for the war in Ukraine. As in previous sanctions packages, measures are also being taken against Belarus because of the country’s involvement in the war.
The most important measures in brief:
Oil
There will be a ban in the EU on the purchase, import and transfer of crude oil (within 6 months) and refined oil products (within 8 months) from Russia. There is a temporary exception for EU Member States that, due to their location, are dependent on Russian supplies and have no other viable options.
Banks
Three additional Russian banks (Sberbank† Credit Bank of Moscow and Russian Agricultural Bank) are disconnected from the international payment system SWIFT. This also applies to a Belarusian bank (Belarusian Bank For Development And Reconstruction†
Media
A number of Russian media companies are no longer allowed to broadcast in the EU, in order to combat propaganda and fake news (Rossiya RTR/RTR Planeta† Rossiya 24/Russia 24 and TV Center International†
Export
The EU is expanding it export ban out for dual use goods (goods that can also be used for military purposes) and technology that can be used by the Russian and Belarusian defense and security sectors.
Business services
There will be a ban on the provision of a number of business services to Russia, such as accounting, public relations, consultancy and cloud services.
Sanctions list
More Russian and Belarusian persons and entities are being added to the sanctions list. Those responsible for the Russian misdeeds in Mariupol and Butya, prominent businessmen, politicians, relatives of oligarchs and companies that supply the Russian military.
Oil boycott against Russia
A boycott of Russian oil is a drastic measure and has major consequences. Not only for Russia, but also for the EU. Because Poland and Germany will forego Russian oil they currently get by pipeline, Russian oil exports to the EU are likely to fall by 80 to 90 percent this year.
EU countries in Central and Eastern Europe that are more dependent on Russian oil will have longer to reduce that dependence. The government is still aiming for the Netherlands to be independent from Russian fossil fuels before the end of the year.
The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s right of self-defense against Russian aggression. And to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future. A complete overview of the sanctions can be found on the EU sanctions page (page is being updated). See also the EU timeline of sanctions against Russia†
Dutch implementation of sanctions
Would you like to know more about the sanctions and how the Netherlands implements them? See the page Sanctions against Russia and Belarus (Belarus).