Sanctions And Export Control Update

Russia continues to be a focal point for sanctions development. This spring and summer, the EU adopted two new sanctions packages against Russia: the 20th package, adopted on 23 April 2026, and the 21st package, adopted on 23 July 2026. The 20th package has been implemented in Norwegian law, while the 21st package is expected to follow. The developments continue the expansion of the sanctions, including extending part of the scope to Kyrgyzstan and Indonesian territory. There are also key developments outside of the Russian sanctions packages, including a recent Chinese court decision rejecting compliance with foreign sanctions as a defence to breach of contract, as well as the Norwegian Government's recent bill proposal prohibiting trade with Israeli settlements in Palestine.