About: Sanctions
EU tries to soften impact of US sanctions against Iran as they re-enter into force
As a result of the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, Washington's re-imposition of sanctions hit European companies operating in the country from Monday (6 August) onwards. The EU has updated its ‘blocking statute’ to temper the impact.
Trump predicts Iran talks ‘pretty soon’
US President Donald Trump suggested Tuesday (31 July) talks with arch foe Iran were imminent, despite silence from the Islamic republic's leaders to his offer for a meeting.
In Austria, Putin calls for lifting sanctions, Kurz sticks by EU position
Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday (5 June) the European Union should end damaging sanctions against Moscow imposed over the Ukraine crisis and its annexation of Crimea.
Ahead of Austria visit, Putin says Russia wants ‘united and prosperous EU’
President Vladimir Putin yesterday (4 June) downplayed suggestions Russia was seeking to disrupt the European Union's cohesion, saying it was in his country's interests for the bloc to remain "united and prosperous".
Brussels calls for closer monitoring of fishing rules… on paper
The European Commission presented its proposal for revised fishing rules last week (30 May). But while the proposals have good intentions, they provide no real guarantees of efficiency. EURACTIV’s partner Le Journal de l’Environnement reports.
EU to ‘swiftly’ hit Venezuela with sanctions over election
EU foreign ministers today (28 May) agreed to "swiftly" adopt new sanctions against Venezuelan officials involved in Nicolas Maduro's re-election, which they said "lacked any credibility".
‘No alternative’ to Iran deal, Mogherini tells Pompeo
The EU's foreign policy chief warned Monday (21 May) there was "no alternative" to the Iran nuclear deal, after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed unprecedented sanctions against Tehran following Washington's withdrawal from the pact.
Tusk: With friends like Trump, who needs enemies
The European Union's top official launched a stinging attack Wednesday (16 May) on President Donald Trump, slamming his "capricious assertiveness" and saying the US leader acted more like an enemy than a friend.
France’s Total warns of Iran exit as EU struggles to save economic ties
French energy giant Total joined other European companies in signalling on Wednesday (16 May) they could exit Iran, casting doubt on whether European leaders meeting to try to salvage the Iran nuclear deal can safeguard trade with Tehran.
In Sofia, EU leaders will seek united front on Trump
European Union leaders will try to forge a united response at a summit today (16 May) to US President Donald Trump's shock decisions on the Iran nuclear deal and trade tariffs.
Europe offers no guarantees but vows to keep Iran deal alive
European powers vowed to keep the 2015 nuclear deal alive without the United States by trying to keep Iran's oil and investment flowing, but admitted they would struggle to provide the guarantees Tehran seeks.
Putin opens new bridge to Crimea, provoking Ukraine, Western ire
President Vladimir Putin drew condemnation from the US, Europe and Ukraine on Tuesday (15 May) after he opened a new bridge linking mainland Russia and Moscow-annexed Crimea by driving a truck across it to the peninsula.
Commission expects EU countries to set ‘high fines’ under new cybersecurity law
European Commission officials who pushed through new cybersecurity legislation set to take effect next week are expecting EU countries to introduce high fines against companies that disobey the rules.
Russia warns of reprisals if UK acts over spy attack
Russia warned Britain yesterday (13 March) to expect reprisals if it announces sanctions over the poisoning of a former double agent, as the US and other allies joined London in demanding answers on how a Soviet-designed nerve agent was used in the attack.
EU foreign policy chief says ‘blockade’ of Cuba not solution
Blockading Cuba is not the solution, the European Union's foreign policy chief said yesterday (3 January) on a trip aimed at strengthening ties with Havana, after Washington tightened restrictions on the island.
Polish PM expects ‘nuclear’ article 7 to be triggered next Wednesday
Poland's new prime minister said on Thursday (14 December) that he expects the EU to impose unprecedented sanctions next week that could strip his government of its voting rights over its controversial court reforms.
Trump expected to decertify Iran nuclear deal, official says
President Donald Trump is expected to announce soon that he will decertify the landmark international deal to curb Iran's nuclear program, a senior administration official said yesterday (5 October), in a step that potentially could cause the 2015 accord to unravel.
UN Security Council steps up new North Korea sanctions
Major US allies in Asia welcomed today (12 September) the UN Security Council’s unanimous vote to step up sanctions on North Korea, with its profitable textile exports now banned and fuel supplies to the reclusive North capped after it its sixth nuclear test.
Ukraine sees itself victim of Russian ‘provocation’ in North Korea missile row
Ukraine called allegations about the use of Ukrainian technology in the North Korean missile program a “Russian provocation” on Tuesday (22 August).
Russian watchdog says Schlumberger-Eurasia Drilling deal ‘has big problems’
The acquisition of a 51% stake in Russia's Eurasia Drilling Co (EDC) by US oilfield services giant Schlumberger "has big problems" in the current political situation, the head of Russia's competition watchdog said yesterday (16 August).
EU ambassadors hold extraordinary meeting over North Korea
EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini has called an extraordinary meeting at EU ambassadorial level over the current tensions over North Korea, to be held today (14 August).
New Russia sanctions: A European concern
Washington-Moscow relations are threatening to plummet even further after the US decided to impose new sanctions. The new penalties are likely to have an impact on European companies too. George Voloshin examines the situation in the second part of this...
New Russia sanctions: A road to nowhere?
Washington-Moscow relations are threatening to plummet even further after the US decided to impose new sanctions and Russia retaliated by expelling a large number of American diplomatic staff. George Voloshin examines the situation.