The European Council has presented a new framework for sanctions against Russia, focused on fake news, election destabilisation and cyber warfare. The new framework, based on a proposal by EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell, specifically targets both individuals and entities who “undermine the EU’s values, security and the integrity of its member states.”. Moreover, it focuses on the spread of disinformation, sabotage of EU infrastructure, and the instrumentalization of migrants. 

A press release by the Council states that “these malicious activities are part of a broad coordinated hybrid campaign directed by Russia as an attempt to divide our society, destabilise and weaken the EU and its member states and our resilience as well as to undermine our support to Ukraine and its ability to defend itself”.

Individuals and entities designated under the new framework will face asset freezes, and EU citizens and companies will be prohibited from providing them with financial resources. Additionally, individuals will be subjected to travel bans, preventing them from entering or transiting through EU territory.

The EU's fears of hybrid warfare, combining conventional and digital tools, follows a warning from Russian espionage expert Michael Weiss, who on Monday testified before the US government's Helsinki Commission about a "shadow war" conducted by Russia on NATO territory. According to Weiss, Russia is now emulating non-state actors like the so-called IS group, recruiting locals remotely via social media platforms like Telegram and paying them in cryptocurrency.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has already sanctioned over 1,000 individuals closely linked to President Vladimir Putin, including oligarchs like former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich. The sanctions have also targeted key economic sectors, including diamonds and gas. Additionally, Brussels has developed new tools to combat hybrid warfare, which the Council warned in May poses an increasing threat to European security.

Keep an eye out on our website to stay updated on news related to EU sanctions.