About: EU sanctions
EU declares Venezuela envoy persona non grata
The European Union declared Venezuela's ambassador to the bloc "persona non grata" on Thursday (25 February) in a tit-for-tat move after Caracas expelled its own envoy.
Venezuela kicks out EU ambassador after new sanctions
Venezuelan Foreign Minister said that the head of the European Union's delegation in Caracas had 72 hours to leave the country and declared her persona non grata after the bloc imposed new sanctions on Venezuelan officials this week.
Russia’s Lavrov slams West for pandemic ‘selfishness’
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov lambasted the West for failing to unite globally in the fight against the pandemic and its economic fallout, in an address to the UN Human Rights Council on Wednesday (24 February).
Russia increases fines for protest violations after Navalny rallies
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved legislation on Wednesday (24 February) beefing up fines for offences committed during street protests after thousands were detained at unsanctioned rallies in support of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Venezuela National Assembly urges expulsion of EU ambassador
Venezuela's National Assembly called Tuesday (23 February) for the government to expel the European Union's ambassador to Caracas, in response to new EU sanctions against 19 Venezuelan officials.
Russia blasts EU sanctions over Navalny crackdown
Russia's foreign ministry on Monday (22 February) blasted the European Union's decision to impose sanctions on Russian officials over the crackdown on Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and his supporters.
Hit Putin where it hurts, Navalny’s associates say
The EU should target Russian President Vladimir Putin's close circle of people and 'hit him where it hurts', two close associates of imprisoned Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny said on Monday (22 February). They also warned of the increasing influence of corrupted Russian money in Europe.
EU to impose sanctions on Russians over Navalny by March summit
The European Union is set to impose travel bans and asset freezes on allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, possibly in the run-up to an EU summit, after a meeting of envoys gave approval for punitive measures.
Russia says it would be ready to cut EU ties if hit with painful sanctions
Russia said on Friday (12 February) it would be ready to sever ties with the European Union if the bloc hit it with painful economic sanctions, a statement that Germany described as disconcerting and incomprehensible.
Russia lashes out at Poland and EU for organising talks with Navalny’s associates
Russia has admonished the EU and Poland for organising a meeting with EU and foreign diplomats to discuss potential sanctions against Moscow with jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s close associates. Moscow would consider it morally and ethically “treasonous” that Navalny’s associates...
Under pressure, Borrell hardens towards Russia sanctions
Facing calls of resignation, EU’s chief diplomat Joseph Borrell on Tuesday (9 February) announced ‘concrete proposals’ towards sanctioning Moscow, as MEPs accused him of ‘falling into a trap’ set by Russia’ foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. “It will be for the...
Russia receives Borrell with ‘provocative choreography’
On his trip to Moscow, EU’s chief diplomat Joseph Borrell on Friday (5 February) told his hosts that their treatment of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny represented ‘a low point’ in ties, as his case had added a new irritant...
EU deplores ‘widespread detentions’ in pro-Navalny protests
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he deplored the "widespread detentions and disproportionate use of force" against protesters and journalists in Russia on Sunday (31 January).
German government, businesses come forward in support of Nord Stream 2
The German government said it will not abandon the Nord Stream 2 project, despite US sanctions and calls by the European Parliament to impose EU measures against the Russian-backed gas pipeline project over the Navalny case.
EU refrains from Russia sanctions over Navalny arrest, for now
Despite calls from Baltic countries, Italy and Romania, EU foreign ministers on Monday (25 January) decided to hold off from imposing fresh sanctions on Russian officials in response to the detention of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Russia summons UK envoy in response to Navalny sanctions
Russia said on Wednesday (30 December) it had summoned Britain's ambassador to tell her it was expanding the number of British citizens banned from entry in response to London sanctioning Russian officials over the poisoning of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
Moscow expands list of German officials banned from Russia
Moscow on Tuesday (29 December) expanded a list of German officials who are banned from entering Russia in response to EU sanctions that the bloc imposed over Russian cyber-attacks on the German parliament.
EU envoys agree more Belarus sanctions
EU ambassadors agreed Wednesday (16 December) further economic sanctions on Belarus over its brutal crackdown on opposition protesters, targeting 29 individuals and seven firms or organisations, diplomats said.
Putin’s ‘chef’ pays Russian operatives released by Libya
An ally of President Vladimir Putin has shelled out nearly $500,000 to two Russian political operatives recently freed by Libya after 18 months in captivity, his company said Monday (14 December).
Merkel and Borissov blocked EU sanctions against Turkey at summit: sources
Germany and Bulgaria were the most vocal among the EU countries who blocked sanctions against Turkey at the EU summit on 10 December, sources have told EURACTIV.com.
EU top diplomat keeps mum over Turkey arms embargo
The EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell clearly dodged a question on Monday (7 December) over the possibility to impose an EU arms embargo on Turkey as a means to convince Ankara to de-escalate tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Spanish...
Michel says Turkey should stop playing ‘cat and mouse’ with EU
Turkey has not de-escalated its stand-off with Greece in response to diplomatic outreach, European Council chief Charles Michel said on Friday (4 December) and warned that EU member states would now consider “the means at our disposal”, which most probably means sanctions.
EP adopts tough resolution on Belarus, Russia accuses West of meddling
Russia's foreign minister on Thursday (26 November) accused the West of interfering in Belarus as he met strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko who has faced months of protests over his disputed re-election.