19th EU Sanctions Package: New Measures and Sectoral Restrictions

On 23 October 2025, the European Union published its 19th sanctions package in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ L 275).

It includes:

•             Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2032 on restrictive measures concerning Russia;

•             Council Regulation (EU) 2025/2033 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014;

•             and updated acts related to Belarus.

New Criterion “k”

The 19th sanctions package introduces an additional criterion “k” for inclusion under the EU blocking sanctions.

It concerns support for or implementation of actions or policies that contribute to deportation, forced displacement or forced assimilation, including information and psychological influence or militarised education of Ukrainian minors.

Sectoral Sanctions and Key Restrictions

1. Expanded definitions. Regulation 833 now includes the terms “crypto-assets”, “payment services” and “services directly related to tourism activities”.
2. Export control. Forty-five new entities have been added to Annex IV.
3. Export bans. Annex XXIII (Article 3k) now covers items such as roses, rhododendrons, azaleas, motorised toys, tricycles, scooters, dolls, toy strollers and puzzles.
4. LNG prohibition. From 25 April 2026, new contracts for Russian LNG are banned; from 1 January 2027, a full ban on import and supply applies.
5. Maritime restrictions. Annex XLII adds 117 vessels of the so-called “shadow fleet”, and a reinsurance ban applies to these ships.
6. Special economic zones. Article 5ah prohibits relations with residents of SEZs, including Skolkovo, Alabuga and Technopolis Moscow.
7. Financial systems. EU entities and subsidiaries are prohibited from cooperating with the Russian “Mir” and “SBP” payment systems.
8. Diplomatic movements. Diplomatic and consular staff must notify travel within the Schengen Area at least 24 hours in advance.

Tourism Services Ban

The Council amended Article 5n of Regulation 833, introducing a ban on providing services directly related to tourism activities in Russia.

These services include:

•             travel agency and tour operator services, including passenger transport;

•             tourism information, consulting and trip planning services;

•             organisation of tours, accommodation, ticketing and baggage transport;

•             tour guide services;

•             advertising services linked to tourism activities.

According to the Regulation’s recital, the ban aims to reduce Russia’s revenue from such services and to discourage non-essential travel and leisure in Russia, especially in view of the heightened risk of arbitrary arrests and detentions of EU citizens.

Full details of the 19th EU sanctions package are available in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Information source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/oj/daily-view/L-series/default.html?&ojDate=23102025