COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Press material Monday, 24 February 2025

● Council of the EU   24/02/2025 08:36 | Press release | Three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts its 16th package of economic and individual measures   On the third year mark of the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Council adopted today a wide-ranging 16th package of economic and individual restrictive measures. The package touches on vital sectors of the Russian economy, further weakening the regime’s ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. “For three years now, Russia has relentlessly bombed Ukraine , attempting to steal land that isn’t theirs to take. This new round of sanctions not only targets the Russian shadow fleet but those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, videogame controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spout lies. There is no doubt about who the aggressor is, who should pay and be held accountable for this war. Every sanction package deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war. With talks underway to end Russia’s aggression, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage.” — Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Today’s package includes decisions on: Individual listings The Council agreed on a significant set of 83 listings, consisting of 48 persons and 35 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. In addition, the Council established two new criteria that will allow the EU to impose restrictive measures on individuals and entities that own or operate vessels of Putin’s shadow fleet; and those supporting or benefitting from Russia’s military and industrial complex. Shadow fleet Further vessels were added to the list of those subject to a port access ban and ban on provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport. This measure targets non-EU tankers that are part of Putin’s shadow fleet circumventing the oil price cap mechanism, support the energy sector of Russia, or vessels that are responsible for transporting military equipment for Russia or stolen Ukrainian grain. 74 vessels originating from third countries were targeted today on these grounds, bringing the total of designated vessels to 153. Finance and banking For the first time, the EU is imposing a transaction ban on credit or financial institutions established outside Russia that use the ‘System for Transfer of Financial Messages’ (SPFS) of the Central Bank of Russia. SPFS is a specialised financial messaging service developed by the Central Bank of Russia to neutralise the effect of restrictive measures. Furthermore, the Council decided to extend the prohibition on the provision of specialised financial messaging services to 13 regional banks considered to be important for the Russian financial and banking systems. Trade The Council also added 53 new entities to the list of those directly supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in its war of aggression against Ukraine. They will be subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector. A third of these entities are Russian while the others are located in third countries (China including Hong Kong, India, Kazakhstan, Singapore Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan) and have been involved in the circumvention of trade restrictions or have engaged in the procurement of sensitive items needed for instance for UAVs and missiles used for Russian military operations. Additionally, today's decision expands the list of restricted items that contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector by adding items for the development and production of Russia’s military systems, such as: chemical precursors to Chloropicrin and other riot control agents, software related to computer numerical control (CNC) machines, chromium compounds and controllers used to guide Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Lastly, the EU introduced further restrictions on exports of goods which contribute to the enhancement of Russian industrial capabilities (chemicals, some plastics and rubber) and their transit through Russia, as well as further restrictions on the import of primary aluminium, which generates significant revenues for Russia. Broadcasting ban The Council today decided to suspend the EU broadcasting licences of eight Russian media outlets under the permanent control of the Russian leadership, and to prohibit them from broadcasting their content. These are: EADaily / Eurasia Daily, Fondsk, Lenta, NewsFront, RuBaltic, SouthFront, Strategic Culture Foundation, and Krasnaya Zvezda / Tvzvezda. These media outlets have been essential and instrumental in bringing forward and supporting Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and for the destabilisation of its neighbouring countries and of the EU and its Member States. In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the measures agreed today will not prevent the targeted media outlets and their staff from carrying out activities in the EU other than broadcasting, e.g. research and interviews. Ports and locks The EU is prohibiting any transaction with certain listed ports, locks and airports in Russia that are used for the transfer of UAVs, missiles and related technology and components to Russia, or for the circumvention of the Oil Price Cap or other restrictive measures by vessels practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices. This includes access to their facilities and the provision of any services to vessels or aircrafts. Transports In order to ensure the effectiveness of EU restrictive measures targeting the aviation sector, the Council decided to widen the EU flight ban to listed air carriers operating domestic flights within Russia or exporting aircraft or other aviation goods and technology to Russian air carriers and their controlled entities. Furthermore, the EU is strengthening the existing prohibition on the transport of goods by road within the territory of the EU, including in transit, by EU operators owned for 25% or more by a Russian natural or legal person. The new provision prohibits any changes to road transport undertakings’ capital structure that would increase the percentage share owned by a Russian natural or legal person over 25%. Energy The package agreed today imposes further restrictions on exports of goods and technology, in particular software related to oil and gas exploration, in order to further restrict Russia’s exploration and production capacities. Additionally, it extends the prohibition to provide goods, technology and services for the completion of crude oil projects in Russia, such as the Vostok oil one, similarly to the completion of LNG projects currently in place. The Council is also banning the provision of temporary storage for Russian crude oil and petroleum products within the EU, independently from the purchase price of the oil and the final destination of these products. Others The EU is prohibiting the provision of construction services, including civil engineering works, extending the approach already in place in illegally occupied parts of Ukraine. In order to fight unlawful re-exportation of sanctioned EU goods, EU operators selling sensitive goods to third countries other than partner countries are required to implement due diligence mechanisms, capable of identifying, assessing and mitigating the risks of such re-exportation to Russia. The Commission will assists economic operators to facilitate their compliance, particularly in relation to these requirements. Belarus Today’s package includes further restrictive measures on Belarus mirroring the trade-related sanctions agreed against the Russian Federation, as well as other measures such as restrictions concerning the sale or provision of services and software, deposits and crypto-asset wallets, and transports. Furthermore, the Council introduced a new listing criterion targeting persons, entities or bodies supporting or benefiting from the military and industrial complex of Belarus. Crimea and Sevastopol, and certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine The Council introduced today new restrictions in Crimea and Sevastopol, and in the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine in the oblasts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia, with the objective of inhibiting their integration into the Russian Federation, and preventing circumvention of EU sanctions. These restrictions concern the provision of accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, tax consulting, business and management consulting, public relations, construction, architectural, engineering, legal advisory, IT consultancy, market research and public opinion polling, technical testing and analysis and advertising services. Furthermore, restrictions concern the provision of certain software for the management of enterprises and for industrial design and manufacture, as well as related intellectual property rights or trade secrets. The sanctions regime concerning the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine was recently prolonged for a further year until February 2026. The relevant legal acts will soon be published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council also reconfirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. Russia must not prevail. The European Council reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, and underlined the principle that no initiative regarding Ukraine be taken without Ukraine. To this end, the EU and its member states will maintain their intensive global outreach efforts and will participate in the discussions affecting Europe’s security. The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions. European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 Russia's war against Ukraine (background information)

● Council of the EU

23/02/2025 21:56 | Media advisory | UPDATE: Media advisory - Foreign Affairs Council of 24 February 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: Europa building, Brussels Chair: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy From 07.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 07.45 Doorstep by Kaja Kallas (live streaming) +/- 8.00 Beginning of the Foreign Affairs Council Adoption of the agenda Russian aggression against Ukraine Situation in the Middle East Democratic Republic of the Congo Current Affairs Any other business At the end of the meeting (+/- 13.30), press conference in the Justus Lipsius press room in live streaming. Videos and photos fom the event   European Council   24/02/2025 08:44 | Statements and remarks | Joint statement by the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine   Three years ago Russia started its full-scale and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s brutal war deliberately targets civilian and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian people have shown bravery in defending their country and the core principles of international law. We pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives and have lost loved ones for Ukraine’s independence and freedom.  Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The European Union and its partners have acted swiftly and in unity to support Ukraine. The European Union has provided to Ukraine economic, humanitarian, financial and military assistance that totals to €135 billion, with €48.7 billion of military assistance. The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support, including reconstruction of the country after the war.  Russia and its  people are paying a price for their leader’s actions. Together with partners, we have imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia and those complicit in the war and remain ready to increase the pressure on Russia to limit its ability to wage war. We are already using windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defence industry and energy recovery.  Today, we have adopted a sixteenth sanctions package to further increase collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression. In parallel, we have taken unprecedented actions at the EU level to ramp up European defence industry production, and we will continue to increase our capacity. This will allow us to step up our military support and cooperation with Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening our defence readiness and European sovereignty. Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union. We have acknowledged that by granting Ukraine the status of candidate country and launched accession negotiations. Ukraine has made significant progress in accession related reforms under the most challenging circumstances. We are already integrating Ukraine into the EU’s internal market. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.  In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine. We highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail. ● Council of the EU   24/02/2025 10:43 | Press release | Syria: EU suspends restrictive measures on key economic sectors   The Council decided today to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. This decision is part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilisation. The EU aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people, and businesses, in key areas of energy and transport, as well as to facilitate financial and banking transactions associated with such sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes. In particular, the Council has decided to: - suspend sectoral measures in the energy (including oil, gas and electricity) and transport sectors - remove five entities (Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, Saving Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines) from the list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources, as well as to allow making funds and economic resources available to the Syrian Central bank - introduce certain exemptions to the prohibition of establishing banking relations between Syrian banks and financial institutions within the territories of the member states, to allow transactions associated to the energy and transport sectors as well as transactions needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes - extend indefinitely the application of the existing humanitarian exemption - introduce an exemption for personal use to export prohibitions of luxury goods to Syria Following up on today's decision, the Council will pursue its work, and assess whether further economic sanctions could be suspended. It will also continue to closely monitor the situation in the country to ensure that such suspensions remain appropriate. At the same time, the Council maintains listings related to the Al-Assad regime, the chemical weapons sector and illicit drug trade as well as a number of sectoral measures, such as on arms trade, dual-use goods, equipment for internal repression, software for interception and surveillance, and the import/export of Syrian cultural heritage goods. EU restrictive measures have been used as a tool against the Al-Assad regime, responsible for the violent repression of the Syrian civil population. The fall of the Al-Assad regime marks the beginning of a new era of hope for the Syrian people. All Syrians, in the country and diaspora, should have the opportunity to participate in the rebuilding of their country. The EU stands with the Syrian people in this moment of transition. The Council approved a declaration in this regard and the relevant legal acts will be published in the Official Journal of the EU tomorrow. Background Following the fall of al-Assad’s regime in Syria, in its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council stressed the historic opportunity for all Syrians to reunite and rebuild the country and underlined the importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people. Syria – Council Declaration European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 Syria (background information) Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the fall of the Assad regime, 9 December 2024 ● European Council   24/02/2025 12:13 | Statements and remarks | Remarks by President António Costa at the International summit on the support of Ukraine   Three years ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion in Ukraine. A Russian war of aggression that was unprovoked, unjustified and illegal. A war that violates Ukraine’s sovereignty, its territorial integrity, its international recognised borders, and the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations’ Charter. My thoughts are with all Ukrainians. With all those who have lost a family member and friend. With those who are wounded. The suffering Russia has inflicted on Ukraine is cruel and unjustifiable. The presence of all of us, here, today, is a demonstration of our solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with you, President Zelenskyy.  We were here with you from Day One. We stand — and we will stand — with you, side by side, shoulder to shoulder. In the war, in future peace negotiations, in the reconstruction and as a member state of the European Union. We all want this war to end. And the suffering and destruction to stop. This is why this moment is so important.  Russia is a threat to the international rules-based order. Putin wants to divide us. We show here today that our support is strong, united and unchanged. There will be no credible and successful negotiation, no lasting peace, without Ukraine and without the European Union. Only Ukraine can decide when the conditions are met to start a peace negotiation.  Peace cannot be a simple ceasefire. It needs to be a durable agreement. Peace should not reward the aggressor. We need to learn the lessons from the past, from Budapest and Minsk agreements. Only concrete and strong security guarantees will ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and in Europe as a whole.  The European Union is ready to do whatever it takes for its security and to continue to support Ukraine. That is why I am convening a special European Council, next week, on the 6th of March, on supporting Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s defence.  Working very closely with the European Commission and with Ursula [von der Leyen], we are ready to effectively deliver on our defence capabilities and to significantly invest on them. We are ready to increase our financial and military support to Ukraine. And we are ready to build Ukraine’s future within the European Union.  Ukraine, you can count on us. Slava Ukraini! ● Council of the EU   24/02/2025 12:02 | Press release | 16th package of sanctions on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU lists additional 48 individuals and 35 entities   As part of the comprehensive sixteenth package of sanctions adopted earlier today, the Council decided to impose targeted restrictive measures on an additional 48 individuals and 35 entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Today’s decision maintains pressure on the Russian military and defence by listing several industry companies manufacturing weapons, ammunitions and other military equipment and technologies. As part of the EU efforts to close shadow fleet networks, the EU also imposed full-fledge sanctions over three entities transporting Russian crude oil and oil products and providing substantial revenues to the Russian Government. Additionally, this package continues targeting actors responsible for circumventing EU sanctions, including through third countries. For the first time, the Council also decided to sanction, a crypto-currency exchange based in Russia, Garantex, which is closely associated with EU-sanctioned Russian banks. Sanctions will also be imposed on third countries actors directly supporting the Russian war effort. Today’s listings include one Chinese firm specialised in the production of satellite imagery, notably to the benefit of the Russia’s military-industrial complex, together with its chairman, as well as two senior officials in the Korean People’s Army. Responding to Russian propaganda remains also a priority. Alongside notorious Russian propagandists, the EU is notably listing NewsFront, and SouthFront, two outlets presenting distorted interpretations of history and manipulated information in line with Kremlin messaging while also targeting European and global audiences with distorted and manipulated information. Concerning listed individuals, the EU is targeting businessmen active in the Russian mining and energy sectors, politicians and proxies from the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine, people involved in the mass abduction, illegal re-education, deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia and public figures, including a former Ukrainian politician now working for Russia. Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to over 2400 individuals and entities. Those designated today are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering into or transiting through the territories of EU member states. The relevant legal acts, including the names of the listed individuals and entities, have been published in the Official Journal of the EU. Background In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the UN Charter, and reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council also reconfirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes and as intensely as needed. Russia must not prevail. The European Council reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter and international law, in line with the key principles and objectives of Ukraine’s Peace Formula, and underlined the principle that no initiative regarding Ukraine be taken without Ukraine. To this end, the EU and its member states will maintain their intensive global outreach efforts and will participate in the discussions affecting Europe’s security. The European Union remains ready to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/389 of 24 February 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (including a list of the sanctioned individuals and entities) Three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts its 16th package of economic and individual sanctions (press release, 24 February 2025) European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024 Russia's war against Ukraine (background information) ● Council of the EU   24/02/2025 11:38 | Media advisory | Media advisory - General Affairs Council of 25 February 2025   Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: Europa building, Brussels Chair: Adam Szłapka, Minister for the European Union of Poland from 09.00 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 09.30 Doorstep by Adam Szłapka, (live streaming) +/- 10.00 Beginning of the General Affairs Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items: Non-legislative list Preparation of the March European Council  +/- 12.00 Working lunch +/- 14.15 Legislative programming (public session) Any other business At the end of the meeting (+/- 16.00) press conference in live streaming from Justus Lipsius press room. Videos and photos from the event ● Council of the EU   24/02/2025 16:38 | Meetings | Main results - Foreign Affairs Council, 24 February 2025   The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under current affairs, EU ministers touched on the latest developments in Georgia.

24/02/2025 | Article Polish presidency leads EU to adopt 16th sanctions package against Russia On the third year mark of the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Council adopted today a wide-ranging 16th package of economic and individual restrictive measures. The package touches on vital sectors of the Russian economy, further weakening the regime’s ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.