About: Sanctions
Putin in Crimea as Russia marks five years since ‘reunification’
Russian President Vladimir Putin flew into Crimea on Monday (18 March) to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Moscow's annexation of the strategic peninsula from Ukraine which was condemned by the West but remains popular among Russians.
Russia can’t be considered strategic partner of EU anymore, MEPs say
The EU should be ready to impose further sanctions on Russia if the country continues to violate international law, EU lawmakers said in a resolution adopted in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday (12 March).
Ukraine seeks EU help to prevent Russia from ‘suffocating’ its Azov Sea shore
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin told Brussels journalists on Monday (18 February) his country was asking the EU and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to engage in efforts to avoid the “suffocation” of a strategic territory coveted by Russia.
Engine trouble: EU struggles to attune diplomacy in Brussels
The rise to power of anti-EU populists in some member states is making it harder for the European Union to agree common statements on fast-moving foreign crises, diplomats say, raising a threat to the bloc's prized "soft power" status.
Commission reacts to Russian transit ban via Ukraine
A Commission official said on Wednesday (30 January) that the EU executive questioned the coherence of the Eurasian economic union, because of the Russia-imposed embargo on the transit of a range of Ukrainian goods through its territory, in effect foreclosing access to export markets in Central Asia.
Kazakhstan advocates closer ties between EU and Eurasian Economic Union
A senior official from Kazakhstan, one of the five members of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), has called for greater cooperation between EEAU and the EU, ultimately aiming to create a single economic space from the Atlantic to Pacific. But a Commission spokesperson made clear it could only be a long-term goal, depending on political developments.
Allies stunned, Russia delighted at Trump’s decision to withdraw from Syria
US President Donald Trump overrode his top national security aides, blindsided US ground commanders, and stunned lawmakers and allies with his order for US troops to leave Syria, a decision that upends American policy in the Middle East.
DR Congo to vote in end-of-an-era poll
Democratic Republic of Congo goes to the polls this week in elections which could see the country emerge from 17 years of conflict-ridden rule under controversial President Joseph Kabila.
No new sanctions on Russia at EU summit over Azov Sea
European Union leaders will offer Ukraine help for its regions affected by Russia's actions in the Azov Sea when they meet on Thursday (13 December), but no new sanctions on Russia will be imposed.
Kerch Strait attack testifies that Kremlin’s aggression has no limits
The leniency of the West encouraged Russia to take its aggression against Ukraine to a new level, writes Mykola Tochytskyi, who puts forward several recommendations.
EU should sanction Iran over missile tests, US says
The United States is pressing the European Union to consider economic sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles, a senior US official said on Tuesday (4 December), warning of a wider regional conflict if Tehran's ambitions remain unchecked.
Trump may cancel Putin meet after Ukraine-Russia sea clash
US President Donald Trump has said he may cancel a long-awaited summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin after a confrontation at sea between Russia and Ukraine led Kyiv to warn of the threat of "full-scale war".
UK and Dutch data protection bodies fine Uber for breaches
Global ridesharing giant Uber has been hit with fines from both UK and Dutch data protection authorities after attackers gained access to the personal information of around 50 million users worldwide.
Merkel: No arms exports to Saudi Arabia until ‘monstrous’ killing cleared up
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday (22 October) called the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul a "monstrosity" and vowed to halt all German arms exports to Saudi Arabia until the case is cleared up.
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.