The EC has proposed its 17th package of Russian sanctions: Where will the blow land?

The European Commission has finalized the preparation of the 17th package of sanctions targeting Russia, proposing restrictions on more than 150 vessels associated with the Russian shadow fleet that is used to circumvent oil sanctions. The total number of tankers subject to sanctions would exceed 300 if the measure is approved.

The EC also supports sanctions against more than 60 individuals and legal entities, including around 50 companies, among them five Chinese entities, and 31 enterprises that aid the Russian military or help bypass existing restrictions.

Additionally, there are plans to tighten export control over dual-use goods and advanced technologies.

Furthermore, the proposal would extend the exemption from sanctions on the Russian Sakhalin-2 energy project until June 2026 due to its significance for Japan.

EU foreign ministers could approve the package on May 20 at a meeting in Brussels.

Poland, which holds the presidency of the European Council, hopes to have the new sanctions package approved by July 1 (Warsaw’s presidency ends on June 30).