EU Adopts 15th Sanctions Package: Focus on Russia’s Shadow Fleet and Targeted Personal Measures

The legal basis is Council Regulation (EU) 2024/3192 of 16 December 2024, amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 on restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.

Main Points of the Sanctions Package:

No Fundamental Expansion of Goods Lists:

The existing export and import regulations remain largely unchanged. Only minor adjustments were made in exceptional areas, which do not result in significant changes for goods traffic.

Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet:

An additional 52 vessels, part of the so-called shadow fleet, have been sanctioned. This fleet transports high-risk cargo, such as Russian oil, weapons, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Sanctioned ships lose access to EU ports and can no longer receive services from the EU. In total, 79 ships are now included on the EU sanctions list.

Expansion of the Personal Sanctions Lists:

Additional individuals and entities involved in or supporting the Russian military-industrial complex have been added to the sanctions list. These measures include asset freezes and travel restrictions for the affected actors.

Personal Sanctions Against Chinese Actors:

For the first time, Chinese companies and individuals are also sanctioned for assisting Russia in circumventing sanctions or cooperating with the Russian military. The measures affect trade in sanctioned technologies or materials and also include entry bans and asset freezes.

Objective of the Measures:

With this sanctions package, the EU closes existing loopholes, increases pressure on Russia, and hinders the country’s ability to finance its war efforts. At the same time, trade regulations remain unchanged, ensuring that the focus continues to be on targeted measures. The EU reaffirms its determination to support Ukraine politically, economically, and humanitarianly while holding Russia accountable for its unlawful aggression.

Salzburg, 17 December 2024