Today's decision expands, among other things, the list of entities that directly support Russia's military and industrial complex in war
The Council today approved the tenth package of additional restrictive measures against Russia.
Today's decision further imposes export bans on critical technology and industrial goods such as electronics, specialized vehicles, engine parts, truck parts and jet engines, as well as goods for the manufacturing sector that may be headed to Russia's military.
For the first time, this list will include seven Iranian entities that manufacture military unmanned aerial vehicles.
The list of restricted items that could contribute to the technological improvement of Russia's defense and security sector will now include new electronic components used in Russian weapons systems, including drones, missiles, helicopters, as well as certain rare earth materials, electronic integrated circuits and thermal cameras.
Dual-use products targeted
Today's decision expands the list of entities that directly support Russia's military and industrial complex in the offensive of war against 96 additional entities, thereby imposing stricter export restrictions on them.
For the first time, this list will include seven Iranian entities that manufacture military unmanned aerial vehicles that have been used by the Russian military in its war of aggression, including civilian infrastructure.
In addition, the Council decided to ban the transit through Russia of dual-use goods and technology exported from the EU in order to prevent circumvention.
Finally, further restrictions are imposed on imports of goods that generate significant revenue for Russia, such as asphalt and synthetic rubber.
In order to counter the Russian Federation's systematic, international campaign of disinformation and information manipulation aimed at destabilizing its neighboring countries, the EU and its Member States, the Council initiated the process of suspending the broadcasting licenses of two additional media outlets: RT Arabic and Sputnik Arabic. These media are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian Federation and have been used by the latter for the continuous and coordinated actions of disinformation and war propaganda, which legitimize Russia's aggression and undermine support for Ukraine.
Today's decision limits the ability of Russian nationals to hold any position on the governing bodies of critical EU infrastructures and entities, as Russia's influence on these bodies could jeopardize their proper functioning and ultimately pose a risk to the provision of essential services to European citizens.
New persons and entities on the list
The Council introduced a ban on the provision of natural gas storage capacity (with the exception of part of the installations LNG) to Russian nationals, in order to protect the security of gas supplies to the EU and to avoid the weaponization of natural gas by Russia and the risks of market manipulation.
In order to ensure the effectiveness of asset freezing prohibitions, the Council decided to establish more detailed reporting obligations for funds and financial resources belonging to listed persons and entities that are pledged or subject to any movement shortly before listing. The Council also introduced new reporting obligations to Member States and the Commission on frozen reserves and assets of the Central Bank of Russia. In addition, aircraft operators should notify unscheduled flights to their national competent authorities, who will then inform other Member States.
In addition to financial penalties, the Council decided to list a significant number of additional individuals and entities.
Three Russian banks have been added to the list of entities subject to the freezing of assets and the prohibition of the disposal of funds and financial resources.
