On 24 June 2024, the EU agreed on the 14th package of anti-Russian sanctions

Andriy Klymosiuk, the ILI's project manager, told "Економічна правда" how the new package solves the long-standing problem of circumventing EU sanctions through third countries.

 First of all, the expert noted that the systematic circumvention of sanctions through third countries greatly affects the effectiveness of European sanctions policy. This is evidenced by the presence of foreign microchips found in Russian missiles that were manufactured after the embargo on technology and military goods was imposed. In addition, the existence of complex schemes to circumvent the restrictions is also evidenced by an abnormal increase in exports to countries that do not support the restrictions and have not imposed sanctions on Russia, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, etc.

 The 14th package of sanctions is aimed at counteracting this trend. ‘An important component of the new sanctions package is the expansion of the so-called ‘no Russia clause’,’ points out Andriy Klymosiuk, and clarifies: ‘This applies to dual-use goods, advanced technologies, goods used in Russian military systems found on the battlefield in Ukraine or critical to their development, aviation goods and weapons, and military know-how.’

The EU must now take comprehensive measures to prevent the re-export of goods to Russia. This includes the obligation of European operators to implement strict control mechanisms, and EU member states to establish a multi-level monitoring system to comprehensively assess and minimize re-export risks. These sanctions restrictions reinforce the Directive adopted in April criminalizing sanctions evasion.

The expert emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen control over international agreements and address the existing gaps in the EU's sanctions policy and for Ukraine to adopt similar decisions, in particular on criminalizing sanctions violations.