Filenews 3 June 2022
"With today's package, we are increasing restrictions on the Kremlin's ability to fund the war by imposing further economic sanctions. We are banning the import of Russian oil into the EU and with this we are cutting down a huge source of revenue for Russia. We are removing more of the main Russian banks from the swift international payment system. We are also imposing sanctions on those responsible for the atrocities that took place in Bucha and Mariupol and we are banning more disinformation agents who actively contribute to President Putin's war propaganda," High Foreign Representative Josep Borrell says.
The package includes a series of measures aimed at effectively deterring the Russian ability to continue aggression, the Council's communication notes.
Petroleum
The EU has decided to ban the purchase, import or transfer of crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU. The phasing out of Russian oil will last from 6 months for crude oil to 8 months for other oil refining products.
There is a temporary exemption for imports of crude oil through pipelines in those EU Member States that, due to their geographical location, are affected by a special dependence on Russian supplies and do not have viable alternatives.
In addition, Bulgaria and Croatia will also benefit from temporary derogations concerning oil imports.
- Removal of additional Russian and Belarusian banks from SWIFT
The EU is extending the existing ban on the provision of specialised financial messaging services (SWIFT) to three additional Russian credit institutions - Russia's largest bank Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow and Russian Agricultural Bank - and the Belarusian Development and Reconstruction Bank.
Media
The EU suspends broadcasting activities in the EU of three more Russian state broadcasters: Rossiya RTR/RTR Planeta, Rossiya 24/ Russia 24 and TV Centre International. These instruments have been used by the Russian Government as instruments to manipulate information and promote disinformation about the invasion of Ukraine, including propaganda, aimed at destabilising the neighbouring countries of Russia and the EU and its Member States. According to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, these measures will not prevent these media and their staff from operating in the EU outside broadcasting, e.g. research and interviews.
Export restrictions
The EU is expanding the list of persons and entities relating to export restrictions on dual-use goods and technology. Such additions to the list include both Russian and Belarusian entities. In addition, the EU will expand the list of goods and technology that may contribute to the technological improvement of Russia's defence and security sector. This will include 80 chemicals that can be used to produce chemical weapons.
Consulting Services
The EU will ban the provision of accounting, public relations and advisory services, as well as cloud services in Russia.
Individual entries
In addition, the Council decided to impose sanctions on additional individuals and entities: those responsible for the atrocities committed by Russian troops in Bucha and Mariupol, personalities who supported the war, leading businessmen and family members of oligarchs and Kremlin officials, as well as defence companies and a financial institution.
The relevant legal acts will be published shortly in the Official Journal.
Source: Capital.gr
