European Union: Export Controls & Trade & Investment Sanctions

The European Union has adopted a targeted "mini" sanctions package against Russia, introducing 87 new designations across multiple regimes while creating a specific derogation for transactions with Chinese chip trader Yangzhou Yangjie Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. This rolling sanctions approach marks a shift in EU strategy, targeting entities across eight jurisdictions including China, UAE, and Turkey, while addressing supply chain disruptions caused by previous designations.

The European Union’s 20th Russia sanctions package entered into force on 24 April 2026. For businesses, its significance extends well beyond the new listings and export codes.

Reuters is reporting that three individuals have today been convicted of Russian sanctions offences.

The District Court in Viru has convicted Aleksei Toom of sanctions offences and sentenced his to nine months in prison suspended for one year conditional upon no further offending.

It has been reported that the Lithuanian authorities have arrested a Polish national on suspicion of trying to export to Belarus the equivalent of €60,000 in physical currency in Polish zlotys and US dollars.

The Austrian Supreme Court has ruled that sanctioned shareholders are categorically barred from attending and voting at annual general meetings, following the CJEU's interpretation that shares constitute 'funds' under EU sanctions regulations. The decision confirms that voting rights are frozen alongside asset ownership, though the right to challenge AGM resolutions through judicial review remains intact.

The European Union has adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, alongside parallel measures targeting Belarus, marking a significant escalation in economic pressure.

Cyprus is investigating whether subsidiaries of the Essar Group may have breached or circumvented EU sanctions through transactions with Russia's VTB Bank. The probe centers on allegations that debt obligations were strategically moved from Cyprus to Mauritius in 2022, potentially to avoid sanctions restrictions.

A shadow fleet tanker seized in French waters has been released after its owner admitted falsifying the vessel's flag registration and paid a fine in a Marseilles court. The case highlights ongoing enforcement actions against vessels attempting to circumvent international sanctions through deceptive maritime practices.