Ignoring EU sanctions against Russia to be criminalized

TALLINN – The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached an agreement on a new directive that will criminalize breaches and disregard of the restrictive measures imposed by the EU.

The directive aims to punish those who violate the sanctions imposed on Russia for attacking Ukraine.

Criminal assets confiscated from those evading the EU sanctions on Russia will later be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Member states must transpose this legislation during next year.

Estonian MEP Urmas Paet, vice chair of the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee, said in a press release that in view of the current geopolitical situation, it is important that an agreement was reached on the directive, even though it has all taken too long and Russia has been able to circumvent the sanctions and dilute their impact.

"In addition, we must also deal with third countries that help Russia to evade the sanctions and who mediate sanctioned goods manufactured in western countries to Russia," the MEP added.