EU plans 18th sanctions package against Russia

The 17th package of sanctions against Russia is currently in force, entering into force on 20 May 2025 and serving as the basis for the planned 18th package.

1. It significantly strengthened sanctions against Russia’s “shadow fleet” by listing an additional 189 tankers, restricting access to EU ports and related services for a total of 342 vessels.

2. Trade in highly sensitive dual-use items – chemical precursors (e.g. sodium and potassium chlorates, aluminium and boron powders) and spare parts for CNC high-precision machine tools – was banned.

3. The list of natural and legal persons was significantly expanded, with at least 75 new entities sanctioned and a total of more than 2 400 beneficiaries of restrictions.

4. Sanctions also apply to more than 45 Russian and foreign companies supplying military equipment, logistics and technical components.

5 The range of prohibited goods has also been extended to include petroleum products, iron, steel, gold jewellery, luxury goods, maritime and aviation components.

6. As an exception, the Sakhalin-2 project’s crude oil supply licence for Japan was extended until 28 June 2026 to ensure energy security.

7. Overall, the 17th package aims to further restrict Russia’s access to combat technology and thus reduce revenues from energy exports.

On 10 June 2025, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, together with the EU High Representative, Kay Kallas, announced plans to introduce an 18th package of sanctions against Russia. This is the EU’s next step in response to Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine and its rejection of an unconditional ceasefire offer.

The planned measures include:

– Energy sector:

A ban on Nord Stream pipeline deals, a reduction of the oil price ceiling to $45 per barrel and a ban on imports of products made from Russian crude oil.

– Financial sector:

Extended transaction bans to 22 more Russian banks and financial institutions in third countries, helping to circumvent existing sanctions.

– Export restrictions:

Over €2.5 billion worth of goods, including high-tech goods and their raw materials, may be placed on the list of banned items.

– Mechanisms to limit sanctions evasion:

Sanctions against 22 companies providing direct or indirect support to the Russian military.

Source:

aml.plus team

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