EU again fails to extend personal sanctions against Russia

On Friday, September 11, ambassadors of European Union countries were again unable to agree on extending the personal sanctions imposed over Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Reconciliation is hampered by the demands of two EU countries to amend the sanctions lists, while the current restrictions expire on September 15.

This was reported by Rikard Jozwiak, Europe editor for Radio Free Europe, citing sources in Brussels.

According to his information, the latest talks of EU ambassadors ended without an agreement. The reason was the demand of two capitals to change the list of individuals subject to personal restrictive measures. Jozwiak did not specify in his message which two countries and whom they demand to exclude from the list.

This is not the first failed attempt to agree on extending sanctions in September. On September 9, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU countries also failed to adopt a decision. Then diplomatic sources cited Slovakia's position as the main obstacle.

Bratislava opposed the proposal to extend the sanctions regime immediately for a year and insisted on keeping the previous six-month period. In addition, the Slovak side demanded excluding several people from the current sanctions list. Their names were not disclosed due to the confidentiality of negotiations.

After the talks on September 11, according to Jozwiak, the issue already hinges on the demands of two capitals regarding the composition of the sanctions lists. Extending the restrictions requires the unanimous consent of all 27 EU member states.

The current personal sanctions regime was extended by the EU Council in March for six months — until September 15, 2026. The restrictions apply to about 2,600 individuals and legal entities whom the European Union links to actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

For individuals, the sanctions provide for a ban on entry and transit through EU territory. The assets of listed individuals and organizations within the European Union are frozen, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds or other economic resources available to them.

If EU countries do not reach a compromise by September 15, the current sanctions regime will lapse. It is precisely the need for regular unanimous extension of personal restrictions that has repeatedly allowed individual states to secure changes to the lists before the next vote.

It should be noted that these are specifically personal sanctions for undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine. They exist separately from the broad sectoral economic restrictions against Russia. The latter were extended by the EU Council in June for another year — until July 31, 2027.

Source: Rikard Jozwiak, EU Council.