Sanctions, Enforcement And EU Law

Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 represented an escalation of the Russo-Ukranian war that began in 2014. In response, a series of sanctions have been imposed by the EU, the most recent of which was on 6 October 2022 following Russia's illegal referenda and illegal annexation in Ukraine, with implications for businesses across the world. This summer, the European Commission, the Council and the Parliament triggered procedures which will add violations of European Union sanctions to the list of 'EU crimes'. This represents a significant milestone in the development of an EU criminal policy under the Lisbon Treaty and is designed to achieve a harmonised standard across the EU Member States. Equally noteworthy is the fact that this is to apply, not only against Russia, but in relation to any restrictive measures imposed by the EU against regimes, territories, persons and entities across the globe. This development will encompass common criminal standards