EU introduces tough new sanctions to counter Russian threats

On Tuesday, at the request of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, the member states established a new sanctions system against Russia. This system allows for restrictions on individuals and entities involved in destabilizing the EU and its member states, including through disinformation and election interference.

The new sanctions aim to counteract hybrid threats from Russia, which include election interference, attempts to undermine trust in democratic institutions, and attacks on critical infrastructure, as well as EU businesses and public institutions.

An example of such actions is cyberattacks, such as the ones carried out on Monday by a pro-Russian hacker collective against Belgian government websites. Additionally, the sanctions aim to address disinformation and the instrumentalization of migrants, particularly evident at the Polish-Belarusian border.

According to a statement from the EU Council, the new sanctions framework will allow the European Union to impose sanctions on individuals and entities engaged in actions and policies by the Russian Federation government that undermine the key values of the EU and its member states. Individuals subject to sanctions will be banned from entering the EU, and their assets will be frozen. Furthermore, EU citizens and enterprises will be prohibited from providing them with financial and material assistance.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell highlighted that the latest sanctions are a reaction to the Kremlin's intensifying hybrid operations. In a statement on X on Tuesday, Borrell stressed that the EU is delivering a strong and unified message in response to Russia's growing hybrid activities. He noted that destabilizing efforts aimed at the EU, its member states, and its partners will have consequences, and Russia will not be able to weaken its resilience or stability.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Borrell noted that Moscow's actions perfectly illustrate its "reckless behavior" and "disregard for the international order." Recently, many actions have been directed against the EU, including cyberattacks, informational manipulation, arson, vandalism, and sabotage.

Russia continues to disrupt satellite communications, violate European airspace, and carry out physical attacks on individuals within EU territory, the politician added. Russia's actions aim to divide European society and destabilize and weaken the Community and its support for Ukraine.