The new sanctions regime targets threats such as electoral interference, economics sabotage and disinformation. It also targets cyber activities that undermine EU values and security.
As announced by the EU Council on 8 October 2024, the European Union has created a new framework of sanctions to counter Russian destabilizing activity abroad. This new regime allows the EU to target individuals or entities that are involved in actions and policies of the Russian government which undermine fundamental values, security and integrity of the EU and its member states as well as international organizations and third countries.
The framework, which is based on a Josep Borrell proposal, is part of EU’s response against Russia’s ongoing hybrid campaign, which was recently intensified by new operations on European territory.
This new framework will allow the EU to deal with a variety hybrid threats including:
* Undermining democratic institutions and electoral processes
* Threats and sabotage against economic activities, public services, or critical infrastructure
* Foreign information manipulation and disinformation (FIMI)
* Malicious cyber activities
* Instrumentalisation and migrants
Other destabilizing activities
Assets of those designated under the new regime will be frozen, and EU citizens will not be allowed to make funds available to these individuals. Natural persons will also be subject to travel bans that prevent them from entering or passing through EU territory.
This framework was created in response to a series EU actions designed to counter hybrid threats. In December 2022 the EU Hybrid Toolbox was operational. It brought together existing and new tools to detect and respond hybrid threats. On 21 May 2024 the Council approved conclusions acknowledging that hybrid tactics are being used by non-state and state actors against the EU and its member states and partners.
In its conclusions from 27 June 2024 the European Council strongly condemned all hybrid activities that target the EU, its members states, and its partners. It called for the establishment a new sanction regime to combat these threats.
This new framework represents an important step in the EU’s efforts to protect democratic processes, economic activity, and overall security against Russian interference and destabilizing activities.
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