News item | 18-12-2023 | 17:12
On December 18, 2023, the European Union (EU) adopted a new sanctions package. The new sanctions are aimed, among other things, at the Russian military industry, cyber suppliers of the Russian intelligence services and imports of Russian diamonds. There are also new measures against circumventing sanctions.
Do you have information about the circumvention of sanctions? Report this to the government. For example with the EU sanctions whistle blower tool or at the Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD), via telephone number 088-1551661. More information on the FIOD website.
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EU: sanctions against Russia
The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia for its illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory. The sanctions remain necessary to exert maximum pressure on Russia to end the aggression in Ukraine. Sanctions, among other things, make it more difficult for Russia to continue to finance the war.
The new sanctions in brief
Further tackling the Russian military industry
The EU imposes more sanctions on the Russian arms industry. The Netherlands has also advocated this in negotiations. The new measures:
- New persons and entities have been added to the sanctions list.
- Additional bans on the export of products to Russia. This concerns goods that contribute to the development of the Russian defense industry, such as drone parts.
Combating malicious Russian cyber operations
The EU is also committed to combating malicious Russian cyber operations against Ukraine by imposing sanctions on cyber suppliers to the Russian intelligence services in this new package.
Expansion ban on import of Russian products
There will be a ban on the import, purchase or transfer of Russian non-industrial diamonds throughout the EU. And the import of other goods – such as pig iron, copper wire, foil and pipelines – that generate a lot of income for Russia and thus enable the continuation of the war of aggression against Ukraine.
Additional measures against circumventing sanctions
The EU is taking additional measures to tackle individuals and organizations that evade sanctions. Among other things:
- New additions to the list of organizations subject to export restrictions.
- Tightening of enforcement of the oil price ceiling. This includes improvements to the procedure with which Western service providers must prove that they remain below the ceiling.
Are the sanctions against Russia effective?
The sanctions against Russia affect the Russian treasury. In addition, export restrictions mean that Russia has less and less access to high technology, such as aircraft parts and computer chips. Read more about the consequences of the sanctions for the Russian economy.
Continued commitment of the European Union
The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its right to self-defense against Russian aggression. And to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future. A complete overview of the sanctions can be found at EU sanctions page. See also the EU timeline of sanctions against Russia.
Dutch implementation of sanctions
Want to know more about the sanctions and how the Netherlands implements them? View the sanctions against Russia and Belarus (Belarus) page.