New dispute arises in EU over personal sanctions against Russians
The European Union has temporarily extended personal sanctions against individuals and legal entities associated with Russia for seven days after the bloc's countries failed to agree on a full extension of restrictions. The current sanctions regime will now remain in effect until September 22.
This was announced on September 14 by a representative of Ireland, which holds the presidency of the EU Council. The restrictions were due to expire on September 15.
Personal sanctions provide for the freezing of assets of listed individuals and entities, a ban on providing them with funds and other economic resources, and for individuals also restrictions on entry and transit through the territory of the European Union.
The EU Council agreed on the previous full extension of sanctions in March. At that time, restrictions on approximately 2,600 individuals and entities were extended for six months – until September 15, 2026.
EU countries have so far been unable to extend them for a new long period due to disagreements over individual Russian businessmen. A decision requires unanimity of all 27 EU member states.
One of the main contentious issues was Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov. According to Financial Times and Euronews, France has joined Slovakia, which is seeking his removal from the sanctions list.
Bratislava also advocated the lifting of restrictions on Russian billionaire and co-founder of Alfa Bank Mikhail Fridman. These demands already hindered agreement on extending sanctions at previous meetings of EU permanent representatives.
Financial Times writes that most EU states oppose lifting sanctions against Usmanov. Moreover, the possible removal of one major Russian businessman could lead to additional demands from other countries to review sanctions lists.
According to the publication, Paris's position is related to attempts to secure the release of several French citizens held in Azerbaijan. France officially supports maintaining the sanctions regime against Russia, but seeks Usmanov's removal.
Usmanov himself has been under EU sanctions since 2022. The European Union links him to the Russian leadership and considers him a businessman with close ties to Vladimir Putin. Usmanov has challenged the restrictions imposed against him in European courts.
The week-long extension avoids automatic termination of the entire personal sanctions regime and gives EU countries additional time for negotiations. If a compromise is not found by September 22, bloc states will have to agree on a temporary solution again or risk the expiration of the relevant restrictions.
Personal restrictions should not be confused with EU sectoral economic sanctions against Russia. In June, the European Union separately extended economic measures covering trade, finance, energy, technology and other sectors until July 31, 2027.
Based on materials from: Financial Times, Euronews, EU Council
