Germany: Export Controls & Trade & Investment Sanctions

The Council of the European Union has adopted its 20th and 21st sanctions packages against Russia, marking a fundamental shift in EU sanctions policy. Rather than simply expanding lists of designated persons, these measures systematically target the financial infrastructure—payment channels, banking relationships, crypto-asset ecosystems, correspondent banking, trade finance, and maritime logistics—that enables Russia's war economy.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled on the scope of EU sanctions prohibiting the broadcasting of content from listed Russian media outlets, addressing whether the term 'operator' extends beyond commercial entities to include donation-funded platforms and individuals. The judgment clarifies critical questions about personal liability under Regulation 833/2014 and the relevance of broadcast duration in determining compliance obligations.

Two brothers in Germany have pleaded guilty mid-trial to breaching EU sanctions against Russia by shipping engineering and industrial equipment valued at €830,000 between 2023 and 2024. As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, both defendants have accepted four-year custodial sentences, with the court's verdict still pending while their father faces separate prosecution for related offenses.

Germany's Federal Public Prosecutor has issued a press release relating to the arrest of two individuals for supplying funds and economic resources to the sanctioned Ukrainian separatist groups the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.

Last week the German authorities ordered the vessel Tavian not to enter German territorial waters after inspection of the ship's papers resulted in a finding that the vessel was sailing under a false flag and with a fake IMO number...

The settlement involves a payment of €10 million but no admission of liability.

Last week more than 140 officers from the Munich Customs Investigation Office and the Munich I Public Prosecutor's Office conducted raids on several premises...

Am 20. Juli 2025 ist das 18. Paket restriktiver Maßnahmen in Kraft getreten. Im Fokus stehen Energie-, Transport- und Finanzsektor. 55 weitere Listungen (14 Personen, 41 Organisationen)...

The 18th package of restrictive measures came into force on July 20, 2025. The focus lies on the energy, transport and financial sectors. 55 additional listings (14 individuals, 41 organizations)...