Some EU states want to soften the EC’s proposals for combating the circumvention of sanctions on Russia.

The European Commission has proposed banning importers from reselling high-priority goods (such as semiconductors used to make weapons) to Russia and requiring a certain amount on deposit in a designated account to ensure security. According to the latest EU sanction proposals, at least half of this amount will be transferred to a trust fund for Ukraine, and contracts will be terminated if they are breached. Exporters must also inform authorities of any violations by third-country companies.

However, diplomatic representatives from several EU member states have expressed several concerns about these proposals. They question the legality and feasibility of requesting such guarantees and provisions from importers and are concerned that contractual requirements may put European companies at a competitive disadvantage. Countries also want to narrow the scope of potential articles and the list of goods to which the proposed restriction will apply.

However, other member states, particularly the Baltic states, support these proposals.