On 25 June, the Council of the European Union extended the restrictive measures against Russia for a further year in response to actions that “destabilise the situation in Ukraine”. The measures have been renewed until 31 July 2027.
“This decision was taken following the European Council meeting on 18–19 June 2026, at which EU leaders agreed to extend economic sanctions against Russia for twelve months,” the statement reads.
The Council of the EU notes that the economic measures, first introduced in 2014, were significantly expanded following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Since then, the bloc has adopted 20 rounds of sanctions.
The measures cover key sectors, including trade, finance, energy and dual-use technologies. The sanctions also include a ban on the import or transfer by sea of crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, as well as a ban on transactions involving a number of financial institutions and crypto-service providers in Russia and third countries. The EU has also suspended broadcasting and licences within its territory for several ‘Kremlin-backed disinformation media outlets’.
“The EU will maintain the existing measures and stands ready to adopt further measures as long as the Russian Federation continues its unlawful actions and violations of fundamental norms of international law, including, in particular, the prohibition on the use of force,” the bloc’s Council added.
On 9 June, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a 21st package of sanctions, which, in particular, seeks to ban military personnel who have participated in the war against Ukraine from entering the EU. Export and import restrictions are being expanded, as are sanctions against Russia’s energy and financial sectors.
The proposal is now to be examined and approved by the EU Member States. Unanimous agreement is required for the sanctions to be approved. The list of individuals subject to targeted sanctions is expanding with the introduction of each new package.