According to Brussels, there are now too many differences in the Member States when it comes to seizure of goods and assets. In Italy, for example, anti-mafia legislation makes it much easier to confiscate belongings, while in many other Member States such a severe measure is not legally possible. In the softer countries, for example, millions of yachts belonging to Russian billionaires are ‘only’ chained up.
Although the Commission emphasizes the war in Ukraine, Brussels is about a much broader picture. Common rules should also be drawn up for the seizure of goods from people involved in criminal organisations, terrorism, corruption and money laundering. According to the proposal, a conviction is not necessary. However, the national court must be sure that the goods are due to criminal activities.
Wrong figures
With the rules, Brussels wants to prevent bad people from fleeing to another Member State with a softer approach due to strict rules in one Member State. At the same time, the European Commission is keen to take over a task that currently still belongs exclusively to a Member State: the enforcement of EU sanctions. The day-to-day management of the EU wants to make it easier to investigate, prosecute and punish violations of sanctions.
“We want to add violations of EU sanctions to the list of EU crimes and make it a criminal offence,” explains President von der Leyen. “Those who violate sanctions should be brought to justice.”
Reconstruction
Member States have yet to consider the proposals. Only after approval will Brussels come up with legislative proposals. There may also be a plan to use the sale of Russian items for the reconstruction of Ukraine.